Abstract
This study aims to identify the main causes of food waste (especially fruit and vegetables) and their relationship with prevention practices at supermarket and supplier levels. To do so, we conducted case studies in four Brazilian supermarket chains and their suppliers. Our findings show that although supermarkets seem to be concerned about avoiding food waste, they mostly focus on internal prevention actions, reflecting the lack of collaboration and information between supermarkets and suppliers. The low investment of supermarkets in actions to prevent food waste is focused only on their internal operations and, despite this, training is inefficient due to the high level of staff turnover and lack of involvement of suppliers in participating in this training. The use of technologies such as packaging, traceability, refrigeration, and transport equipment is insufficient, it increases production costs. A lack of strict legislation in Brazil makes it difficult for supermarkets and suppliers to donate food. Cultural issues specific to Brazil, such as consumer overhandling fruit and vegetables before buying these products, generate a great deal of waste. The paper contributes to the literature by identifying the main root causes of food waste and providing a list of prevention practices that supermarkets and suppliers can benefit from. Managerially, it can help supermarket managers spot the causes of food waste within their operations, and hence change, improve or implement practices and behavior to prevent food waste.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.