Food Supply Chains and Short Food Supply Chains: Coexistence conceptual framework

Abstract

Despite the different elements that regard Food Supply Chains (FSCs) and the Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs) as possessing opposing models, substantial changes are happening in them, such as economic, social and environmental sustainability practices, allowing description of other forms of existence of the models, in addition to the initial opposition. Thus, this article aims to establish and describe the coexistence conceptual framework of the FSCs and SFSCs, at odds with the current polarisation of the literature on chain approaches. After conducting a systematic literature review covering 51 peer-reviewed articles, this paper draws on biology and market performativity notions establish and describe a framework of FSCs and SFSCs. Through content analysis and synthesis of the literature, a coexistence conceptual framework was developed, arranged around two main criteria: i) convergence of interests, and ii) need to add value. These chain models, although coexisting independently or competitively interact with each other, emphasising that they are not isolated models. The literature recognises this interaction through the sharing of inputs, processes, markets, practices, relations, knowledge, values and hybridisation of chains. Blurring their polarisation, this interrelation reveals the supply chain plasticity, emphasising sustainability as a significant shift in the business environment and as a driver of the coexistence framework. Through these results, four types of coexistence in the conceptual framework can be stressed: i) unco-operative; ii) competitive; iii) co-operative; and iv) co-ordinative. Contributing to demystification of their interaction, this article adds to the (short) food supply chains’ capability of making changes in order to accommodate significant shifts in the business environment, thereby expanding the field through a coexistence notion.