Creating sustainable fresh food supply chains through waste reduction
International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management
ISSN: 0960-0035
Article publication date: 12 April 2013
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this empirical paper is to study information sharing in fresh food supply chains, with a specific goal of reducing waste and facilitating sustainable performance. The study focuses on material and information flow issues, specifically on sharing demand and shelf‐life data.
Design/methodology/approach
This work has been designed as an exploratory case study in three fresh food supply chains, milk, fresh fish, and fresh poultry, in the Nordic countries. The cases are based on interviews and data from the databases of the companies involved. Each case focuses on analyzing information flow, particularly the current order patterns and forecasting and planning process, and material flow, focusing on the supply chain structure. In two cases significant changes have been made to forecasting processes and material flow, while the third case intends to identify the most beneficial uses of shared information to create a sustainable fresh food supply chain.
Findings
The performance of the perishable food chain can be improved by more efficient information sharing. The key to improved operations is how and for which purposes the shared data should be used. In addition, changes in the supply chain structure were needed to speed up the deliveries and ensure shelf availability. The cross‐case analysis revealed that improved performance was obtained with parallel changes in information sharing and usage and in material flow.
Originality/value
Few studies approach the problem of waste and sustainability from an integrated supply chain perspective. This paper links data sharing with the sustainability performance of the supply chain as a whole.
Keywords
Citation
Kaipia, R., Dukovska‐Popovska, I. and Loikkanen, L. (2013), "Creating sustainable fresh food supply chains through waste reduction", International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Vol. 43 No. 3, pp. 262-276. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPDLM-11-2011-0200
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited