Corporate Food Research Articles

Resurgent diversity: upland agriculture, indigenous crops and foodways in Eastern Himalayas

ABSTRACT In this article, we are concerned with the cultivation of food crops – comparing trajectories of millets and buckwheat in Eastern Himalayas, and the circumstances under which farmers plant or forgo certain crops. Crop choices and how farmers cultivate their crops have far-reaching consequences for society, economy and the environment. With accelerating climate change, present global, corporate food regime based on a handful of genetically identical crops appears as a high-risk venture. For many Indigenous peoples alternatives to and negotiations with these regimes are commonly located in their traditions: the crops, foodways, and diversity-based agricultural systems of their ancestors even as a multitude of factors have conspired to their decline across the Eastern Himalayan Region. Yet, paradoxically, with climate change these crops, agriculture and knowledge systems seem to hold the future, especially for smallholder farmers.

Hunger in global war economies: understanding the decline and return of famines.

The resurgence of famines is a topic of concern. This paper explains the recent trajectory using the framework of contending 'global war economies'. It characterises the unipolar neoliberal world order era (1986-2015) as the 'Pax Americana' war economy, focusing on the United States dollar's roles. These were the decades of the liberal imperium, the corporate food regime, and counterinsurgent coalitions, which generated structural vulnerability to food crises and reduced the actual incidence and lethality of famine. The paper characterises the subsequent period (2016 onwards) as the challenge of the BRICS club, focusing on its efforts to rewrite the global political economy's rules, proactively hedging among diversifying currency regimes. This entails a scramble to secure strategic commodities and infrastructure in subaltern countries, which is intensifying conflict and food insecurity, and revising international norms in favour of reasserting sovereign rights. The global political-economic contestation and, especially, the associated normative regression are permissive of political and military triggers of famine.

IoT-GChain: Internet of Things-Assisted Secure and Tractable Grain Supply Chain Framework Leveraging Blockchain

The grain supply chain is crucial for any nation’s self-sustainability due to its huge impact on food security, economic stability, and the livelihoods of several people. The path grain takes from farmers to consumers is opaque and complicated, due to which consumers cannot trust grain quality and its origin. Although blockchain is widely used for fair and secure transactions between farmers and buyers, issues related to transparency and traceability in the grain supply chain, such as counterfeiting and middlemen involvement, have not been adequately addressed. To tackle these issues, a blockchain-based solution is proposed that unites farmers, warehouses, government central and state agencies, transporters, and food corporations on a single platform to enhance transparency, traceability, and trust among all parties. This system involves minting a non-fungible token (NFT) corresponding to each lot of grain approved by government officials. The NFT comprises grain quality, type, temperature data from sensors, weight, and ownership information, which updates as the grain lot moves across the supply chain from central agencies to state agencies and so on. NFTs enable stakeholders to track the grain lot from cultivation to end-users, providing insights into grain conditions and quality. An Internet of Things-based circuit is designed using a Digital-output relative humidity & temperature (DHT22) sensor, which offers real-time temperature and humidity readings, and geolocation coordinates are gathered from the GPS module across the supply chain. Farmers can directly interact with warehouses to sell grains, eliminating the need for middlemen and fostering trust among all parties. The proposed four-tier framework is implemented and deployed on the Ethereum network, with smart contracts interacting with React-based web pages. Analysis and results of the proposed model illustrate that it is viable, secure, and superior to the existing grain supply chain system.

Surface Temperature Changes and Effects on Cocoa Yield in the Top Four Cocoa Producing Countries of Africa: A Comparative Analysis

Cocoa is a leading export crop to the world market and Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon in Africa, accounts for about 70% of the global supply. However, increasing global warming with attendant high ambient temperature had affected yields in the tropical regions of Africa. The data of 61 years (1961 – 2021), area harvested (ha), yield (kg/ha) and temperature (OC) were sourced from the database of Food and Agricultural Organisation Corporate Statistical (FAOSTAT). Least squares regression and correlation analysis models were used for data analysis. Results showed that mean ambient temperature in Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon have increased by 0.7661, 0.7507, 0.7333 and 0.6400 OC for a total of 51, 51, 50 and 49 years respectively, while mean decreases were 0.1541, 0.1693, 0.1710, 0.1392oC for 10, 10, 11 and 12 years respectively. Annual average temperature increase was highest (0.0243oC) in Cote D’Ivoire with regression coefficient (R2) of 0.7232 and least (0.0200oC) in Nigeria at R2 of 0.6380. However, in both countries, annual temperature decreased by 0.0012o and 0.0007o with R2 of 0.0052 and 0.0014 respectively. The mean annual temperature increase in Ghana and Cameroon were 0.023o and 0.0204o with R2 of 0.7364 and 0.6965 respectively, while the decreases were 0.0019o and -0.0011o with R2 of 0.0152 and 0.0431 respectively. The cocoa cumulative yield (kg/ha) reduced by 105.8, 90.8 and 75.0kg/ha respectively in Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana and Cameroon when temperature decreased, but increased by 12.5kg/ha in Nigeria during same temperature decreasing trend. In Ghana and Cameroon, cocoa annual yield was higher in the years of temperature increase, while decreased ambient temperature enhanced cocoa yield in Nigeria and Cote D’Ivoire. Hence, to enhance cocoa yield in the top four cocoa producing countries of Africa, the ambient temperatures should be controlled through the adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).

The cage-free egg sector: perspectives of Indian poultry producers.

India is ranked as the 2nd largest egg producer in the world. Despite the prevalence of backyard poultry (free range), a majority of the commercial egg-laying hens in the country are still housed in battery cages. There is a global shift toward cage-free eggs, due to regulations and increased demand from conscious consumers and food corporations. However, there are very few commercial cage-free facilities in India to meet this demand. The aim of this study was to undertake a needs-assessment survey of Indian egg producers on cage-free production, and understand what support is needed to build the capacities of the cage-free egg production sector to develop it into a viable and sustainable alternative to battery cage eggs. The results showed that nearly all producers agreed on the need for additional support in shifting to, and operating in, the cage-free sector. This included support in the form of financial assistance, technical training, and promotion of the cage-free sector. The results of this study highlight the pressing need for government and private support, in the absence of which cage-free producers are compelled to compete with battery cage poultry producers on prices, which will result in increased losses and failure of the sector, since they have not yet achieved economies of scale.

The Influence of Program Effectiveness on the Sustainability of the Farmer Food Corporation (KPP) Business at PT. XYZ

PT. XYZ is one of the Farmer Food Corporations (KPP) in Ciamis Regency, providing services ranging from production facilities to facilitating credit capital applications. This farmer corporatization program benefits farmers by increasing their income, thus necessitating the sustainability of PT. XYZ. Therefore, it is crucial to examine the effectiveness of the PT. XYZ program, its sustainability level, and the impact of its effectiveness on business sustainability. This study employs an integrated (mixed method) approach with a dominant quantitative design. The population comprises rice farmers who are members of the Farmer Food Corporation in Ciamis Regency under PT. XYZ. A sample size of 51 respondents was selected using a simple random sampling method to ensure equal representation. The effectiveness of the PT. XYZ program was analyzed descriptively through a descriptive statistical analysis approach, and the Partial Least Square (PLS) Structural Equation Model (SEM) analysis was performed to understand the influence of program effectiveness on PT. XYZ's business sustainability. The research results indicate that all variables influence the effectiveness of the PT. XYZ programs are constructed by real manifests, with contributions ranging from medium to high. The five manifest variables constructing effectiveness are program objectives, real change, program socialization, precision, and monitoring. The sustainability variable is constructed by market, workplace, environment, and community variables. The program's effectiveness has a significant influence on PT. XYZ's business sustainability. In conclusion, the PT. XYZ program effectively enhances farmers' income and contributes significantly to the sustainability of PT. XYZ's business. Continuous improvement in program implementation and monitoring is essential to maintain and enhance these benefits.

Voluntary food safety information disclosure and corporate financing structure: based on the perspective of trade credit

ABSTRACT The voluntary disclosure of food safety information by companies has attracted significant attention. We empirically examine the impact of voluntary food safety information disclosure (VFSID) on corporate financing structure from the perspective of trade credit. We discover that VFSID reduces corporations’ reliance on trade credit. We find that VFSID reduces corporations’ reliance on trade credit by facilitating additional bank credit. We also observe that the impact of VFSID on corporate trade credit is particularly pronounced for enterprises that disclose more material information and possess stronger motivation for financing structure adjustments. We further explore the economic consequences and find a significant reduction in the cost of corporate financing when corporate trade credit decreases due to VFSID. Our findings enrich the literature on VFSID and financing structure, verify the substitution relationship between bank credit and trade credit, and provide empirical evidence to optimize the financing structure of corporations, reduce the cost of corporate financing, and promote the smooth flow of the supply chain cycle.

Impact of Globalization on Consumer Food Behaviour: A Comprehensive Review

The current market dynamics, including consumer food behaviour, are profoundly influenced by the processes of civilizational and cultural evolution, as well as the ongoing globalization phenomena. The discourse begins with an exploration of the theoretical underpinnings of globalization and its intersection with consumer food behaviour. It further delves into the broader phenomenon of globalization in the contemporary era and elucidates its specific impacts on the dietary and purchasing habits of consumers. The reviewed studies indicate that globalization has significantly influenced various aspects of consumer food behaviour. These include changes in grocery shopping patterns, an increased frequency of fast food consumption, and a heightened interest in both comfort foods and novel dining experiences. The pervasive reach of global media, multinational food corporations, and international supply chains has facilitated the widespread availability and popularity of diverse food products and dining practices across different cultures and regions. However, globalization's impact is not unidirectional. It has also catalysed the emergence of counter-movements and alternative consumer attitudes. There is a growing preference for locally sourced and environmentally sustainable food products, reflecting a backlash against the perceived homogenizing effects of globalization. Movements such as the Slow Food movement advocate for traditional and regional cuisine as a means of preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, heightened awareness of food safety and quality has led to an increased demand for organic and non-genetically modified food products.

Nutraceutical Muffins: Development and Sensory Evaluation

Health professionals and consumers are increasingly urging food corporations to produce healthier options, leading to a rise in the popularity of gluten-free flours like millet, sweet potatoes, and mung bean flour. Nutraceutical muffins offer a novel approach by combining the enjoyment of a tasty snack with the health benefits of bioactive compounds. These muffins are formulated with ingredients such as mung bean flour, spinach powder, guava powder, jaggery, and ghee to provide dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Gluten-free and suitable for diabetics, they also address health concerns such as energy enhancement, vitamin deficiency, constipation, and bone health. In conclusion, nutraceutical muffins present an exciting way to merge health and flavor, making functional ingredients easily accessible in daily diets. However, further research is needed to optimize their formulation and validate their health benefits.

Food waste reduction, corporate responsibility and national policies: evidence from Europe

PurposeThis paper investigates strategies for addressing the global challenge of food loss and waste (FLW) within the food industry. It examines the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and state regulatory interventions for reducing FLW.Design/methodology/approachThis mixed method study utilizes a unique panel dataset which includes the 150 largest food industry companies in Italy, Norway and the UK. It combines quantitative data analysis with qualitative insights derived from corporate strategies and corporate communications.FindingsThe analysis reveals that food companies with an established CSR strategy and in particular companies whose CSR reports highlight their environmental and social achievements are more likely to achieve in effective FLW reduction. Additionally, national-level regulatory interventions guided by European Union waste strategies act as pivotal benchmarks and encourage stricter corporate food waste management policies.Practical implicationsThis research underscores the significance of CSR strategies and effective state regulation in the fight against FLW and offers policymakers and businesses valuable insights enabling development of robust strategies.Social implicationsBy emphasizing the interplay between CSR and regulatory intervention, this research contributes to the achievement of a more sustainable and efficient global food system that addresses both economic and ethical concerns and could have far-reaching societal and environmental implications.Originality/valueThe paper sheds light on the interplay between CSR initiatives and regulatory interventions for tackling FLW and emphasizes their synergistic impact on sustainable practices within the food industry.

Unveiling quiet activism: Urban community gardens as agents of food sovereignty

AbstractUrban community gardening is emerging as a form of quiet activism challenging the corporate food system. In urban community gardening, quiet activism subtly challenges the dominant corporate food system. However, research tends to overlook its presence and impact in global South cities, where issues of food insecurity and corporatisation are acute. There is a gap in research on urban community gardening activism, with a focus mainly on global North cities. Global South cities and populations face unique challenges in the corporate food system that require attention and exploration in scholarly literature. We draw on qualitative research conducted with urban community gardeners in Cape Town, South Africa. Through interviews and observations, the study investigates how these gardeners engage in quiet activism to challenge the corporate food system. We find that community gardens are subtle but potent platforms for bolstering local food movements and fostering healthier dietary practices by cultivating and sharing produce. Quiet activism through community gardening offers a nuanced approach to challenging the corporate food system. The study highlights the need to recognise and understand varying levels of activism intensity and their implications for reshaping urban food systems. We underscore the need to discern the distinct embodiments necessitated by different modes of activism. Understanding these different modes of activism is crucial for comprehending their varying impacts on challenging and reshaping the corporate food system. This nuanced approach reveals the transformative potential inherent in community gardening practices. Community gardening in Cape Town exemplifies the transformative potential of understated acts in food activism.

Large agri-food corporations in the global staple and cash crops markets: a quantitative analysis of rice and coffee through the virtual water perspective

The paper investigates the influence of major food corporations on global rice and coffee markets from 2013 to 2022, with a focus on market presence and water usage. It uses detailed data from the Euromonitor Passport and the CWASI datasets to analyze environmental impacts and virtual water (VW) flows at the company level, addressing gaps in the existing literature. Key findings show that although rice sales are larger than those of coffee in quantity, coffee embeds a higher total water use due to its greater unit water footprint (WF). The rice market is less internationalized and concentrated compared to the coffee market, where a few companies hold significant market shares across multiple countries. In 2022, the top 12 rice-selling companies control 16% of the global rice WF, exceeding the combined WF of the top three rice-importing nations. Similarly, the top 15 coffee-selling companies command 55% of the global roasted coffee WF, with significant disparities in VW quantities compared to major importing nations. The coffee market exhibits a higher number of companies with larger shares of WF than volumes, with this disparity increasing over time. Furthermore, more countries exhibit high and moderate concentration indices for coffee sales compared to rice. These findings highlight the considerable concentration of water resources among large companies, particularly in the coffee sector. The paper emphasizes the importance of considering the environmental implications of corporate activities in food supply chains, providing valuable insights for sustainability efforts in the agri-food industry.

외식기업의 ESG경영활동과 공중관계성, 기업이미지 및 기업평판 간의 구조적 관계

The purpose of this study was to verify the structural relationship between ESG management activities of food service companies, public relations, corporate image, and corporate reputation based on previous studies. The analysis results are summarized as follows. First, it was found that the ESG management activities of food service companies had a significant effect on the public relationship. Second, it was found that the heavy relationship had a significant effect on the corporate image. Third, it was found that the public relationship had a significant effect on the corporate reputation. Fourth, it was found that the ESG management activities of food service companies had a significant effect on the corporate image. Fifth, the result of Hypothesis 5 that the ESG management activities of food service companies would have a positive (+) effect on the corporate reputation was rejected. Sixth, it was found that the ESG management activities of food service companies had a significant effect on the corporate image and corporate reputation through.

Buscando el (buen) sentido en la transformación del sistema alimentario en México a través de las narrativas contrahegemónicas emergentes en las comunidades indígenas y rurales de Oaxaca

Mexico is in the grips of a public health crisis related to its changing food system, characterized by dramatic increases in diet-related illness. Ideas about how to reverse these trends stretch from top-down nutrition education to demands for regulation of the food and beverage industry. Taking a different approach, this paper focuses on the perspectives and practices of rural Oaxacans, drawn from qualitative research conducted in seven communities over six years. We find an emergent critique of the contemporary capitalist food system rooted in embodied engagements with food production, preparation, consumption, and community history. We analyze these findings through the lens of Gramsci’s concept of ‘good sense,’ understood as the critical-thinking basis for revolutionary transformation among subaltern classes. We situate this idea within literature on embodied knowledge and visceral politics, suggesting that such ideas and perceptions have the potential to challenge the growing hegemony of the corporate food system and contribute to broader social movements in defense of land and life.

The rise of multi-stakeholderism, the power of ultra-processed food corporations, and the implications for global food governance: a network analysis

AbstractThe rise of multi-stakeholder institutions (MIs) involving the ultra-processed food (UPF) industry has raised concerns among food and public health scholars, especially with regards to enhancing the legitimacy and influence of transnational food corporations in global food governance (GFG) spaces. However, few studies have investigated the governance composition and characteristics of MIs involving the UPF industry, nor considered the implications for organizing global responses to UPFs and other major food systems challenges. We address this gap by conducting a network analysis to map global MIs involving the UPF industry, drawing data from web sources, company reports, business and market research databases, and academic and grey literature. We identified 45 such global food system MIs. Of these, executives from the UPF industry or affiliated interest groups held almost half (n = 263, or 43.8%) of the total 601 board seat positions. Executives from a small number of corporations, especially Unilever (n = 20), Nestlé (n = 17), PepsiCo Inc (n = 14), and The Coca-Cola Company (n = 13) held the most board seat positions, indicating centrality to the network. Board seats of these MIs are dominated by executives from transnational corporations (n = 431, or 71.7%), high-income countries (n = 495, or 82.4%), and four countries (United States, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the Netherlands) (n = 350, or 58.2%) in particular. This study shows that MIs involving the UPF industry privilege the interests of corporations located near exclusively in the Global North, draw legitimacy through affiliations with multi-lateral agencies, civil society groups and research institutions, and represent diverse corporate interests involved in UPF supply chains. Corporate-anchored multi-stakeholderism, as a form of GFG governance, raises challenges for achieving food systems transformation, including the control and reduction of UPFs in human diets.

SeedChain: A Secure and Transparent Blockchain-Driven Framework to Revolutionize the Seed Supply Chain

Farming is a major sector required for any nation to become self-sustainable. Quality seeds heavily influence the effectiveness of farming. Seeds cultivated by breeders pass through several entities in order to reach farmers. The existing seed supply chain is opaque and intractable, which not only hinders the growth of crops but also makes the life of a farmer miserable. Blockchain has been widely employed to enable fair and secure transactions between farmers and buyers, but concerns related to transparency and traceability in the seed supply chain, counterfeit seeds, middlemen involvement, and inefficient processes in the agricultural ecosystem have not received enough attention. To address these concerns, a blockchain-based solution is proposed that brings breeders, farmers, warehouse owners, transporters, and food corporations to a single platform to enhance transparency, traceability, and trust among trust-less parties. A smart contract updates the status of seeds from a breeder from submitted to approved. Then, a non-fungible token (NFT) corresponding to approved seeds is minted for the breeder, which records the date of cultivation and its owner (breeder). The NFT enables farmers to keep track of seeds right from the date of their cultivation and their owner, which helps them to make better decisions about picking seeds from the correct owner. Farmers directly interact with warehouses to purchase seeds, which removes the need for middlemen and improves the trust among trust-less entities. Furthermore, a tender for the transportation of seeds is auctioned on the basis of the priority location locp, Score, and bid_amount of every transporter, which provides a fair chance to every transporter to restrict the monopoly of a single transporter. The proposed system achieves immutability, decentralization, and efficiency inherently from the blockchain. We implemented the proposed scheme and deployed it on the Ethereum network. Smart contracts deployed over the Ethereum network interact with React-based web pages. The analysis and results of the proposed model indicate that it is viable and secure, as well as superior to the current seed supply chain system.

Drivers of consumer food choices of multinational corporations’ products over local foods in Ghana: a maximum difference scaling study

IntroductionThe fundamental transformation of food systems and retail environments in low-income countries is influencing consumers' food choices and dietary habits in unfavourable directions through the consumption of highly processed, energy-dense foods, predominantly manufactured by multinational food corporations. This study aims to identify the principal factors driving consumers' preference for multinational foods over local foods in the urban Accra region of Ghana.MethodThis cross-sectional survey involving a random sample of 200 consumers conducted in March/April 2023 using interviewer-administered questionnaires employed a maximum difference scaling approach to investigate the drivers of urban Ghanaian consumer food choices for multinational food corporations' products over local foods. The maximum difference scaling modelling analysis utilized in this study identifies the primary drivers of multinational food corporations' product preferences and the associated trade-offs.ResultThe study discovered that food quality and safe packaging, perceived healthiness, taste and flavour, and nutritional value were the most significant factors driving consumer preference for multinational food corporations' products over local foods in Ghana. The criterion food quality and safe packaging had the significantly highest utility than all other attributes in terms of consumer preference for products/meals from multinational food corporations over local foods.ConclusionThe results of this study provide significant contributions to the existing body of research, as previous studies have not identified these factors as primary drivers of multinational food products. Public health authorities and nutritionists can use the study's findings to implement targeted quality assurance measures in local markets and to address the drivers in health education campaigns.

Precarious foodscapes: life, caring, digitization, and labor in the face of deepening food crises

ABSTRACT In the face of deepening environmental and economic crises, the concept of precarity helps to draw out the grave problems that permeate contemporary foodscapes. In this special issue introduction, we lay the conceptual groundwork for connecting the concept of precarity with contemporary foodscapes by identifying four key sources of precarity within precarious foodscapes: life, caring, digitization, and labor. Life becomes a source of shared precarity with human and non-human life in the face of a destabilizing climactic and health ecologies. Caring becomes a source of precarity as food becomes intertwined with gendered food work and emotional labor. Digital information technologies become a source of precarity as discourses and ideas of food become destabilized and recreated by digital platforms, algorithms, and technologies. Labor becomes a source of precarity as the corporate food regime deepens its exploitation of compensated human labor, unpaid human labor, and non-human labor. This discussion contextualizes the articles that follow and aims to open up and invite further research on precarious foodscapes going forward.

The Investment development path theory: Evidence from developing countries' agricultural sector.

We examined the investment development path (IDP) through the perspective of developing countries' agricultural sector. Our analytical approach indirectly accounts for interactions among countries regarding cross-border resource transfers. Aside from providing knowledge on testing the IDP by inferential statistics, the information would be relevant for policymaking. Identifying the stage(s) in the IDP not only highlights the global appeal of agriculture but also guides firms seeking to expand beyond borders. This information is essential for developing an effective economic strategy. We employed data from 1991 to 2021 for 55 countries from the Food and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistical Database (FAOSTAT) and applied a fixed effects estimator corrected for serial correlation and non-constant variances. We found that agriculture in developing countries is currently in stages I and II of the IDP. Broadly, agricultural production requires policies that would increase outward foreign direct investment and inward foreign direct investment. Domestic agricultural businesses in developing countries must develop capacity by learning from foreign multinationals. This would enable agricultural businesses to invest abroad. Such a move would lead to an increase in outward FDI. As this would have resulted from increased GDP per capita, it will lead to movement from the existing stage to higher ones.

The Investment development path theory: Evidence from developing countries’ agricultural sector

Background We examined the investment development path (IDP) through the perspective of developing countries’ agricultural sector. Our analytical approach indirectly accounts for interactions among countries regarding cross-border resource transfers. Aside from providing knowledge on testing the IDP by inferential statistics, the information would be relevant for policymaking. Identifying the stage(s) in the IDP not only highlights the global appeal of agriculture but also guides firms seeking to expand beyond borders. This information is essential for developing an effective economic strategy. Methods We employed data from 1991 to 2021 for 55 countries from the Food and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistical Database (FAOSTAT) and applied a fixed effects estimator corrected for serial correlation and non-constant variances. Results and conclusions We found that agriculture in developing countries is currently in stages I and II of the IDP. Broadly, agricultural production requires policies that would increase outward foreign direct investment and inward foreign direct investment. Domestic agricultural businesses in developing countries must develop capacity by learning from foreign multinationals. This would enable agricultural businesses to invest abroad. Such a move would lead to an increase in outward FDI. As this would have resulted from increased GDP per capita, it will lead to movement from the existing stage to higher ones.