A qualitative study on the development of short supply channels in the Spanish agri-food sector: Producers’ perspectives and expectations

Abstract

This study focuses on gaining insight on the current state of implementation and development of short food supply channels (SFSC), as an alternative or complement to long food supply channels. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the various challenges, barriers and advantages that Spanish agri-food producers face regarding the use of SFSC. To this aim, 22 in-depth interviews were conducted with Spanish agri-food producers who used SFSC in their businesses. Each interview lasted approximately 30 min and covered all aspects associated with the implementation of SFSC, mainly including the drivers and the barriers they had met. The results show that the implementation of SFSC is mainly driven by consumers’ willingness to pay a premium for their products, which means a higher margin for the businesses, whereas the main barrier refers to transport and logistics, due to the potential impact on costs, quality, and consumer satisfaction. Therefore, the implementation of SFSC in the businesses has had a positive impact on their sales, although effective solutions for more sustainable and efficient distribution systems in the SFSC and more marketing activities are needed to boost this type of supply channel.