Agri-food Businesses Research Articles

Orientation of Agri-Food Companies to CSR and Consumer Perception: A Survey on Two Italian Companies.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is the most important tool for implementing Sustainability Guidelines for Business (US20030018487A1), delivering economic, social and environmental benefits for all the stakeholders and is currently the focus of international studies and debates (US7260559B1), especially in the agri-food sector as demonstrated by recent patents (CA2862273A1). In most agri-food businesses operating in Italy, there is little effectiveness in the communication strategies of this instrument to the stakeholders since they are often not advanced. Identifying the first two food companies in the European ranking of the 6th CSR Online Awards, through an empirical survey on consumers, their level of perception of the CSR strategies communication of these companies will be analyzed. In both case studies analyzed, there is the presence of a Sustainability Orientation and the evolution of CSR tools within such companies and their promotion and communication to all the stakeholders. Despite this, the level of perception of respondents on the CSR strategies communication of these companies and the promotion of CSR instruments is not optimal. The interviewed consumers have not enriched their knowledge on CSR due to the lack of an adequate communication strategy for both case studies. Consequently, to raise awareness on the subject, there is still a great deal of cooperation needed between public institutions, local communities, businesses and citizens.

Characterisation of sludge produced by the agri-food industry and recycling options for its agricultural uses in a typical Mediterranean area, the Segura River basin (Spain)

Agri-food sludge is both an environmental and economic problem, since companies must bear the costs of proper management as required by current disposal regulations. The aim of this work was to quantify the sludges in a typical Mediterranean area like the Segura River basin in Spain, which has a high concentration of agri-food businesses and intensive farming operations. Ultimately, we wanted to offer options for converting this “waste” into a “resource.”The agri-food companies studied were classified according to their final product: juices, frozen vegetables or canned products. The total volume of sludge ranged between 12,895 and 22,520 tonnes per year, with an average cost of around 350,000 euros.In characterising the agri-food sludges, we identified a high organic load and nutrient content. Besides, the heavy metal levels were well below those legally permitted in sewage sludge, fertilisers or similar products for agricultural use. Furthermore, we only detected pesticide residues occasionally, and we did not detect Salmonella spp. or Listeria monocytogenes in the samples analysed. E. coli was only found in about 20% of the samples.This paper identifies the most suitable technologies for the specific agri-food industries in the area, which are surrounded by intensive agriculture operations. We have analysed direct soil application, sludge drying, composting and the use of anaerobic digestion to produce energy and have shown the main advantages and disadvantages of each. We found that composting and its advanced modifications for making tailored composts are among the most adequate strategies for obtaining organic amendments.

Enablers to implement sustainable initiatives in agri-food supply chains

Due to rapid agricultural industrialization, increased global food demand, and, increasing concerns related to food quality and safety, the concepts of sustainability and supply chain transparency are becoming critically important to the agriculture and agri-food sector. The new focus on sustainability performance objectives emphasizes the effective utilization and consumption of natural resources to balance ecological, economic and societal aspects of agri-food businesses. The management of sustainability adds a new demand on business managers who often have small profits and receive stringent requirements from large powerful customers and retailers. In this paper, we recognize and analyze the key enablers in implementing sustainable initiatives for Agri-Food Supply Chains (A-FSCs). Ten important sustainability driven enablers were considered from a rigorous literature review and phase of expert consultation. The identified enablers were then analyzed using a combined Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) - fuzzy Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) based framework. The ISM approach enabled an appreciation of the contextual relationships among the enablers and to classify the enablers based on their driving and dependence potential. The fuzzy DEMATEL technique supported the determination of the influential and influenced enablers and also to categorize them into cause and effect groups. An empirical case study, drawn from a vegetable and fruit retail supply chain in India, is used to focus and test the applicability of the proposed research framework. The paper facilitates professional management practice and researchers to uncover and explore the enablers for the real execution of sustainability oriented initiatives in the agri-food business sector.

Facilitating knowledge management through filtered big data: SME competitiveness in an agri-food sector

PurposeThis paper aims to critique a facilitated knowledge management (KM) process that utilises filtered big data and, specifically, the process effectiveness in overcoming barriers to small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs’) use of big data, the processes enablement of SME engagement with and use of big data and the process effect on SME competitiveness within an agri-food sector.Design/methodology/approachFrom 300 participant firms, SME owner-managers representing seven longitudinal case studies were contacted by the facilitator at least once-monthly over six months.FindingsResults indicate that explicit and tacit knowledge can be enhanced when SMEs have access to a facilitated programme that analyses, packages and explains big data consumer analytics captured by a large pillar firm in a food network. Additionally, big data and knowledge are mutually exclusive unless effective KM processes are implemented. Several barriers to knowledge acquisition and application stem from SME resource limitations, strategic orientation and asymmetrical power relationships within a network.Research limitations/implicationsBy using Dunnhumby data, this study captured the impact of only one form of big data, consumer analytics. However, this is a significant data set for SME agri-food businesses. Additionally, although the SMEs were based in only one UK region, Northern Ireland, there is wide scope for future research across multiple UK regions with the same Dunnhumby data set.Originality/valueThe study demonstrates the potential relevance of big data to SMEs’ activities and developments, explicitly identifying that realising this potential requires the data to be filtered and presented as market-relevant information that engages SMEs, recognises relationship dynamics and supports learning through feedback and two-way dialogue. This is the first study that empirically analyses filtered big data and SME competitiveness. The examination of relationship dynamics also overcomes existing literature limitations where SMEs’ constraints are seen as the prime factor restricting knowledge transfer.

Ethical certification in the Spanish agrifood industry: An alternative paradigm?

The agrifood sector belongs to traditional industries often supported by the national governments. The quality of the output is directly related to human health and, therefore, several initiatives within the EU have been introduced. These initiatives support the consciousness of the broad public, including the individual agrifood businesses. Besides the marketing standards, geographical indications and organic farming, there are also national and private certification schemes. All these tendencies aim to promote the socio-ethical principles of the business to support the non-monetary issues related to the agrifood sector. This paper provides a closer exploration of the socio-ethical aspects of companies in the Spanish agrifood sector. Any awareness of these principles in the daily business routine can be considered as a potential competitive advantage for an individual company. The objective of the paper is to examine whether there are significant differences among individual sub-industries within the Spanish agrifood sector in terms of social and ethical aspects. A sample of 66,047 different agrifood companies in the year 2012 was examined. Results of empirical tests prove that there are significant differences between the agricultural producers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers.

Optimizing The Effectiveness Of HACCP In Agri- Food SMEs

Improving the safety of food products manufactured and marketed by agri-food businesses, and in particular by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of this industry, was the aim of this study focusing on optimizing the effectiveness of the HACCP system. The main objective was to determine which of the parameters involved in the operation of the HACCP system significantly influenced its effectiveness in order to make suggestions to SME managers on how to improve the safety of their food products.

Maximizing the Economic Value from Facebook Marketing in the Agrifood System: Boosting Consumer Engagement Through Contests

The Mississippi Bricks to Clicks Extension Program teaches the economics and management of social media to agrifood businesses. The purpose of this article is to explain how agrifood businesses can use Facebook contests to boost consumer engagement by correctly following Facebook's contest rules. Extension professionals can use this tool to improve their own Facebook contests when engaging with clientele or to advise agrifood or other types of businesses.

Importance of food labeling as a mean of information and traceability according to consumers

Consumption patterns have considerably changed over recent years. We are witnessing more and more frequently to a lack of information (i.e. information asymmetry) between food producers and consumers, this generates in the consumer the latter need to access information related to processes of production of food and food distribution. Decision-making, in absence of further information, leads consumers to pay attention to food labeling. Food labels become the only tool for consumers to acquire additional information about products in order to make the purchase decision. In today’s modern and globalized market, labels limitations can be partially overcome by using Mobile Marketing tools, such as the QR Code (Quick Response Code). Therefore the objective of this study is: (1) categorize profiles of consumers according to the importance given to various information patterns shown on food labeling; (2) discover consumer behaviors when making a purchasing decision based on food information they require in the label; (3) discover consumer profiles with regards to food quality and the use QR Code to acquire further information about food products. Two Italian regional capitals were chosen, as representative of Northern and Southern Italy, basing on the geographical division of the Country made by the ISTAT (Istituto Nazionale di Statistica). The interviews were carried out by telephone, using a questionnaire. Data collected were processed by Multidimensional Scaling We discovered eight profiles of consumers with different purchasing behaviors. Some consumer profiles, with lifestyles typical of contemporary life, use the QR Code to obtain additional information about food products. The innovative purchasing behavior identifies a consumer who is particularly interested in food quality and safety. Agri-food businesses that focus on quality productions could target the innovative profile and communicate further information through the use of modern communication technologies.

Where Do Agri-Food Entrepreneurs Learn Their Job and are There Skills They Wished They Had Learned?

The agri-food system plays a vital role in the socioeconomic well-being of the USA. In rural Vermont, the setting for this study, the contributions are even larger. Agri-food businesses contribute an estimated 12% of the state's gross domestic product and comprise 13% of private sector establishments. The community economic development potential of fostering successful food entrepreneurs suggests a role for higher education in educating the next generation of entrepreneurs. This study explores gaps in entrepreneurial knowledge and skills. Using a survey of agri-food entrepreneurs designed to obtain an understanding of the tools needed for success, the authors found that entrepreneurs valued a wide range of skills, making it difficult to tailor training. The importance of informal learning was also confirmed. The authors conclude that the role of higher education in entrepreneurial education is to educate students to think critically, recognize opportunities, develop networks and identify resources. In addition, it is critical to provide students with exposure to entrepreneurs in the field.

The Relevance of Networking Strategy in Agribusiness: An Italian Empirical Case Study

This work aims to analyze the role of network business and agglomeration economies in the agribusiness, emphasizing how an integrated marketing strategy generates benefits to entrepreneurs, to the supply chain, to the internal and external stakeholders, increasing the bargaining power of businesses and improving their competitiveness. The analysis focuses on the agri-food businesses in the Plain of Fucino —an agricultural area in Southern Italy , proceeding with Swot Analysis, and measuring the most significant limitations— in terms of corporate culture, size of company, logistics and distribution capabilities, market dimension, seasonal nature of the work. Finally, in the managerial implications, the Author highlights the strategies through which agribusinesses may exceed the limits identified.

Local Food Marketing as a Development Opportunity for Small UK Agri-Food Businesses

The study explores local food as a marketing opportunity for small food producers and identifies barriers to development. Research was conducted primarily through depth interviews, supplemented by a survey of food marketing group members in North-West England. The results of this local study were consistent with national survey data showing increasing consumer interest in food provenance, traceability and support for the local economy. Lack of an official and recognised definition of the term “local food” hindered marketing. Restricted access to finance and the burden of regulations were identified as barriers. Further, small business success was subjective and difficult to identify, since goals may be based on sustaining a lifestyle rather than profit.

Comparative Study of Organized Agri-Food Businesses in India

India is the second largest producer of fruits after China with on estimated production of 54.4 million tonnes in 2008. India’s diverse agro-climatic condition allows production of a wide range of tropical, subtropical and temperate fruits. Sighting huge business opportunities, retail giants like the UK’s Tesco, France’s Carrefour, and American Wal-Mart are looking to make a foray into the Indian retail market by providing the Indian customer a unique experience of shopping. Not lagging behind are the Indian cooperatives like Reliance with Reliance Fresh, Aditya Birla Group, ITC, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Adani Group. This research has specifically been carried out to understand the present organized agri-food retail sector in India as well as the objectives, strategies, and financial performances of six existing companies in this business. The research paper will enable business houses to plan and decide at what level they can venture the present highly fragmented Indian market.

Towards harmonized approaches for mycotoxin analyses: an assessment

Mycotoxins (the poisonous metabolites of certain filamentous fungi) are potential contaminants of staple food commodities and, if uncontrolled, may present a significant public health hazard. In many jurisdictions, questions relating to mycotoxin contamination are addressed at both generic and specific levels by food-safety legislation. Key to the successful management of the mycotoxin question, both in terms of verifying food-safety measures by the agri-food businesses and ensuring compliance with statutory limits by enforcement agencies, is the use of reliablesampling and analytical methodology. Evidence from European Union Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed data suggest that harmonization of methodologies used to determine the mycotoxin content of foods would contribute to improved compliance at both regulatory and commercial levels.

Food Engineering as an Advancing Branch of Chemical Engineering

During the past two decades, application of established chemical engineering principles in food industry has rapidly become an important branch of chemical engineering. Challenges faced by engineers and technologists have been in the areas of preserving the original food quality, creating new food structures in large quantities and at high rates. Active ingredients within foods that are good for human consumption must be kept within acceptable limits. Collaborations with food and nutrition scientists and microbiologists, microelectronic engineers etc. are an essential element for success. Studies have been conducted at all scales (from molecular (nano scale), macromolecular, to macroscopic and large scales such as packaged foods). In the area of chemical engineering education, there is an increasing amount of interest in introducing chemical engineering students to food related concepts. Both Australia and New Zealand have very large agri-food businesses. The challenges due to the specific materials (food materials) concerned in R & D have led to many inventions that have great potentials in new food development. In this lecture, the advances made in food engineering research and new technology development will be highlighted.

H. Isoda, The U.S. Grain Industry and Agri-Food Businesses

H. Isoda, The U.S. Grain Industry and Agri-Food Businesses