Reducing postharvest losses of fruits and vegetables through supply chain performance evaluation: an illustration of the application of SCOR model

Abstract

Previous research revealed many causes of postharvest losses of food along the value chain. This study illustrates the application of the SCOR model's performance metrics in evaluating the performance of the supply chain of fruits and vegetables towards reducing losses. The results of the experiment shows that the reliability, responsiveness and agility performance of the supply chain is a reflection of the rate of quantitative and qualitative losses as well as the ability to deliver orders within the customer-commit dates. These ultimately determine the value of returns on capital and supply chain fixed assets. The performance scores have also been attributed to the management processes and practices. The implication is that, the economic value of losses along the value chain is a reflection of decision making and had a direct link with the profitability of the company. SCOR is therefore recommended to all fruit and vegetable supply chain managers.