The application of value nets in food supply chains: A multiple case study

Abstract

This research investigates how and why collaborative networks in the global food supply chain differ from the theoretical value net business model. Using multiple case methodology, we find that changing social responsibility requirements from consumers and other stakeholders, in combination with dynamic market demand, cause a general tendency of collaboration between food industry firms evolving into collaborative value nets. However, in contrast to the general nature of the supply chain literature, the actual level of value net implementation is affected by four intervening factors (product factors, firm factors, cost structure, collaboration ROI). Thus, our research results shed light on the “boundary conditions” of this development which so far have been neglected in value net research.