Food Supply Networks Research Articles

Design and Implementation of Food Monitoring System Based on WSN

This study describes a design and implementation of the Internet of things technology, aiming to design and realize an intelligent food monitoring system based on a wireless communication technology. A remote wireless monitoring system is proposed for food supply network based on Zigbee and RFID which are mainly used to detect and gather food supply information and upload information to monitoring center and download orders to coordinators. In this study, we propose a low-complexity, low-cost, low-data-rate and low-power-consumption design principles and food data clustering approach for WSN. Further, we propose several key issues that affect the practical deployment of gathering techniques in intelligent food monitoring system.

Factors Influencing the Performance of German Food SME Formal Networks

The food sector in Europe can be characterized as a complex, global and dynamically changing network of trade streams, food supply network relations and related product flows which offers a big spectrum for economic output and employment. Innovation is important for the competitiveness of the food industry that is to a large extent comprised of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). For them, innovation has grown extremely subordinate to interaction in networks. Network initiatives that could provide appropriate support involve social interaction and knowledge exchange, learning and competence development, and coordination (organization) and management of implementation. This paper is designed to assess the factors that affect the performance of German food SME formal networks. It also addresses the consequences at the network and macro level. The analysis was explored by using the laddering technique based on the means‐end chain theory. The findings will help to build up a “network learning toolbox” that is adapted to the particular requirements of the different target groups such as of SMEs, network managers and policy makers. The “network learning toolbox” should improve network learning, which is a driver for improvements in innovation, economic growth and sustainable competitive advantage for food SMEs.

Causes of waste across multi-tier supply networks: Cases in the UK food sector

This research has investigated UK food supply networks to identify the dominant causes of food waste. The aim was to develop our understanding of environmental management across multi-tier networks, with specific reference to food waste. The supply networks of 15 food commodities were investigated following a multiple case study design. A total of 101 semi-structured interviews were conducted including retailers (11), wholesalers (2), fruit and vegetable suppliers (41), and cutting plants/abattoirs (47). Waste arising across each of the 15 networks was quantified and the dominant causes of waste were identified, leading to a series of propositions to explain the management practices that trigger waste in food networks. These propositions relate to transparency of demand information, quality management, process controls, shelf-life management and packaging design, and provide insights into the actions required to mitigate the environmental impact of food production. Although the research was restricted to 15 food commodities in the UK, the findings and methods can help to motivate further research in other countries and sectors. The research is unique in terms of the scale of the data collection effort (number of commodities and interviews) and in its scope (multi-tier networks). Given the social, economic and environmental implications of food production and consumption the findings are relevant to a wide range of stakeholders in the sector.

Genetic Diversity of Food-Isolated Salmonella Strains through Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) and Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus (ERIC-PCR)

All over the world, the incidence of Salmonella spp contamination on different food sources like broilers, clams and cow milk has increased rapidly in recent years. The multifaceted properties of Salomnella serovars allow the microorganism to grow and multiply in various food matrices, even under adverse conditions. Therefore, methods are needed to detect and trace this pathogen along the entire food supply network. In the present work, PFGE and ERIC-PCR were used to subtype 45 Salmonella isolates belonging to different serovars and derived from different food origins. Among these isolates, S. Enteritidis and S. Kentucky were found to be the most predominant serovars. The Discrimination Index obtained by ERIC-PCR (0.85) was slightly below the acceptable confidence value. The best discriminatory ability was observed when PFGE typing method was used alone (DI = 0.94) or combined with ERIC-PCR (DI = 0.93). A wide variety of profiles was observed between the different serovars using PFGE or/and ERIC-PCR. This diversity is particularly important when the sample origins are varied and even within the same sampling origin.

Multi-Stakeholder Responses to the European Health Claims Requirements A Law and Economics Assessment of Regulation (EU) 1924/2006

Stakeholder groups have different interests in health claims which may be complementary but also conflicting. It is not clear on beforehand, how managers should deal with legal requirements on claims. Nor is it clear how legal authorities can adjust the present claims regime to address market, consumer, business and normative requirements. This article aims to assess the strategic responses to health claims legislation and implementation by multiple stakeholders with seemingly complementary wishes, but also controversial expectancies: especially consumers, businesses and public authorities. A multidisciplinary approach is carried out, using insights from food technological and medical, economic, legal and managerial sciences. The EU-claims regime and the responses of multiple stakeholder groups are investigated using available research supplemented with case studies of probiotics and botanicals. The system is evaluated within the context of the structure of food law and the legitimate rights and obligations of stakeholders in food supply chains and networks. The main finding is that the costs and uncertainties attached to health claims are important factors impacting the innovation efforts of businesses, the willingness-to-pay of consumers and the effectiveness of public policy. In order to cope with the shortfalls, the EU claims regime needs to switch from a regime-based to a product-based approach by levelling the disparities between the different legal regimes such as foods and pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, a dialogue between stakeholders and adjustment of the present legal system is suggested to reduce the perceived uncertainties and to be able to provide food information in an effective and less risky way.

Labelling and sustainability in food supply networks

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on two aspects. First, to analyse the spread of labelled environmental certification in food products, considering both private labels and producer brands with reference to the Italian and German markets. Second, to outline how environmental certification can affect the vertical organisation of food supply chains.Design/methodology/approachThe method used is based on an empirical analysis carried out in two sample cities: Milan for Italy and Bonn for Germany, examining ten and seven retailers, respectively, using the case studies approach, through an ad hoc questionnaire. The authors analysed two cases related to fruit and vegetables and ichthyic products, in order to assess the effect of the standards provided by the sustainability certification on the vertical organisation of the supply chains.FindingsThe certifications focus on three main areas: ichthyic products; tropical products; and fruits and vegetables. They are much more widespread on private label items, rather than on the industrial brands. The German market is more “sensitive” to sustainability issues than the Italian market. Environmental certification leads to a reorganisation of the supply chain relationships, determining a higher bilateral dependency among the supply chain agents, a reduction in product uncertainty, and an increased degree of vertical coordination.Originality/valueThe paper analyses, through a new perspective, the environmental issues of food products, quantifying the spread of labelled environmental certification and comparing Italy and Germany. The vertical reorganisation of the supply chains involved the adoption of production rules, connected to environmentally‐friendly practices, and the introduction of a new form of transaction governance.

Multi-stakeholder responses to the European Union health claims requirements

Stakeholder groups have different interests in health claims which may be complementary but also conflicting. It is not clear on beforehand, how managers should deal with legal requirements on claims. Nor is it clear how legal authorities can adjust the present claims regime to address market, consumer, company and normative requirements. This article aims to assess the strategic responses to health claims legislation and implementation by multiple stakeholders with seemingly complementary wishes, but also controversial expectations: especially consumers, companies and public authorities. A multidisciplinary approach is carried out, using insights from food technological and medical, economic, legal and managerial sciences. The EU-claims regime and the responses of multiple stakeholder groups are investigated using available research supplemented with case studies of probiotics and botanicals. The system is evaluated within the context of the structure of food law and the legitimate rights and obligations of stakeholders in food supply chains and networks. The main finding is that the costs and uncertainties attached to health claims are important factors impacting the innovation efforts of companies, the willingness-to-pay of consumers and the effectiveness of public policy. A dialogue between stakeholders and adjustment of the present legal system from a regime-based to a product-based approach is suggested to reduce the perceived uncertainties and to be able to provide food information in an effective and less risky way.

Rethinking Food Supply Chains: Examining the Case for Alternative Food Networks

Focussing on the application of localism to improve the sustainable development of the food supply chain, this study examines the potential for achieving sustained competitive advantage in alternative food supply networks. Specifically, the study examines farmers’ markets; an alternative food network that has increased in popularity over the past decade but has received relatively limited research attention. The study finds evidence to demonstrate how farmers’ markets may be a viable distribution channel for small scale, locally focused primary producers currently constrained by the financial insecurity and consistent quantity and quality requirements of supplying to international supermarket chains. Four propositions for further work are presented to encourage research on this topical subject.

A Metrópole é Aqui: Redes de Abastecimento e o Porto do Rio de Janeiro no Século XIX

Nesse texto iremos discutir os fatores e processos envolvidos na formação dasredes de abastecimento de gêneros alimentícios no século XIX, estabelecendo como eixo principal as interações sócio-espaciais que o porto do Rio de Janeiro mantinha com os portos costeiros do Brasil. Ao estudar as redes de abastecimento no século XIX não intentamos reter do passado aquilo que é essencial para a compreensão do presente, e sim entender qual a lógica e as práticas sócio-espaciais envolvidas na formação dessa rede. A fonte primária consultada foi o Códice de Embarcações, disponibilizada pelo Arquivo Geral da Cidade do Rio de Janeiro (AGCRJ), que retrata o comércio de cabotagem entre1795-1828. A rede em tela foi marcada por uma interconexão instável entre os lugares que a formavam. Onde as redes existem elas são vetores de diferenciação.Uma pluralidade de pontos estava articulada por inúmeras ramificações que partiam de pontos privilegiados do território, em especial do Centro-Sul.

RFID-generated traceability for contaminated product recall in perishable food supply networks

As perishable food supply networks become more complex, incidents of contamination in these supply networks have become fairly common. Added to this complexity is the fact that there have been long delays in identifying the contamination source in several such incidents. Even when the contamination source was identified, there have been cases where the ultimate destination of all contaminated products were not known with complete certainty due, in part, to dispersion in these supply networks. We study the recall dynamics in a three-stage perishable food supply network through three different visibility levels in the presence of contamination. Specifically, we consider allocation of liability among the different players in the perishable supply network based on the accuracy with which the contamination source is identified. We illustrate the significance of finer levels of granularity both upstream and downstream as well as determine appropriate visibility levels and recall policies.

Resistance and strategic responses in food supply networks: metro cash & carry in bangalore

.The transnational expansion of large retail and wholesale companies such as Metro, Carrefour and Wal‐Mart has caused changes in the market situation and consequent power shifts, not only in the retail sector but also in the supply networks in host countries. These developments at least potentially endanger the livelihoods of old established retailers, intermediaries and employees of these businesses. Thus, it is not surprising that the investments of the transnational companies can result in resistance from those affected. As an analysis of Metro and its activities in the federal state of Karnataka in India shows, this resistance can influence the activities of the company to develop a modern supply network. This study analyses the way in which the actors of resistance develop and exercise power and how this in turn influences Metro. The global production network (GPN) approach is used as an analytical framework. The results emphasize the importance of networks external to the firm for the analysis of processes of globalization. The company's behaviour cannot be understood unless the resistance is taken into account. The study shows that the GPN framework provides the tools to analyse the influence of actors such as civil society groups, trade unions and associations as part of the production network. However, up to now this option has rarely been used.

Managerial responses to transaction cost disequilibrium in food supply chains and networks

Differences in transaction costs (i.e. costs of information processing, monitoring and control) between firms in local supply chains as well as in an international setting may have a negative impact on competitiveness and on creation of value added. Transaction cost disequilibrium is defined as a state in which transaction costs exceed the transaction benefits from the exchange of assets. The goal of this article is to assess whether such a disequilibrium exists for European food supply chains; if so, what its effects are and how it can be reduced. Transaction cost disequilibrium will be investigated at two levels: international competition and within local supply chains. The first focuses on the competitiveness of supply chains in global markets, the second especially regards the competitive position of companies within a single supply chain. To address our research question, we gathered empirical data by means of survey questionnaires and interviews in 2007 and 2008. The results show that internationally differences in transaction costs exist, but perceived disadvantages of EU food firms towards the US are being outweighed by perceived transaction benefits (i.e. preferred higher levels of food safety). However, within local supply chains SMEs are confronted with more than average transaction and compliance costs. Transaction benefits can only partially be reaped, especially because of a lack of transparency of the origin of value added to consumers. Proposed improvements to the competitive position of SMEs - contingent upon supply chain structure and product characteristics - include up-scaling, improvement of innovative power, co-labelling as well as simplification of EU food law.

Technological Peripheralization

Technological gaps in large-scale systems, whether ancient empires or the modern world system, are millenia old and are usually viewed in terms of variable rates of innovation and diffusion. When overlaid with large-scale, tightly coupled systems, such as air transport, pharmaceutical regimes, power grids, industrial supply chains, or food supply networks, these mismatches frequently have adverse consequences for the performance of the system. This article suggests that these gaps are a consequence of the network topologies that produce innovation, and more importantly that the dynamics of these networks progressively amplify the gaps. The dark side of technological acceleration (the geometric growth in technological performance) in core regions is an expanding gap between core and periphery, creating a unique class of hazards outside the core.

Traceability and Normal Accident Theory: How Does Supply Network Complexity Influence the Traceability of Adverse Events?

In this paper, we develop theory about the relationship between supply network complexity and the traceability of adverse events. Because adverse events in complex supply networks are frequent and sometimes catastrophic, understanding how they happen is critical for the management of quality in complex supply networks. Drawing on literatures that deal with normal accidents, traceability, transparency and network complexity, we develop propositions that help explain how traceable adverse events will be in different types of supply networks. Drawing on examples from food supply networks, we illustrate the barriers to traceability associated with different types of complex network structure. We end by discussing managerial and academic implications for the design of traceability systems and supply networks.

Food product traceability and supply network integration

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a more precise conceptual understanding of the interplay between food product traceability and supply network integration.Design/methodology/approachA resource‐based network approach was used to create a framework with empirical evidence from a fresh strawberry product case.FindingsA conceptual model describes product traceability as interacting with different organizational and informational resources.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a preliminary model that substantiates a cross‐functional approach teamwork‐based to developing product traceability.Originality/valueThe study shows developing food product traceability as a complex undertaking dependent on information connectivity including a technical aspect of supply chain integration, and different forms of knowledge, an organizational aspect of supply chain integration.

Application of the Traceability Concept Into Food Supply Chains and Networks Design

The paper aims are presenting the concept of food supply chain and networks management and its components applicable in design of modern fresh and processed (frozen) food distribution systems. Introduction of the traceability concept allows analysis of shipments movements and their origin and, as a consequence tracing the movement of food and its components throughout all stages of its production and distribution. The principles of consistency and transparency in data and information exchange among the participants in the food supply chain and networks create conditions for effectivity and efficiency of food supply systems operation securing their safety and quality making full use of the resources thanks to flexibility of reaction to changes occurring in the needs appearing in the market. The use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) allows identification of the placement in space and time of food products, the sender and the destination within the food chain. In the second part of the paper the main conclusions of an international benchmark study of traceability systems in different supply chains in several countries are presented. The paper concludes with cost-benefits discussion related to issues that need to be taken into consideration when an organisation develops its chain traceability strategy.

Strategic Use of State and Local Regulatory and Public Health Surveillance Resources to Address the Growing Demand for Food Safety Oversight in the United States

Although considerable progress has been made, federal food safety oversight in the United States has not overcome challenges posed by a decentralized, rapidly expanding food supply network. To complement limitations of federal measures, we believe that state-based food safety regulatory and surveillance systems should be better leveraged and integrated. A strengthened national food safety program would include implementation of uniform standards of food inspection and testing, reciprocal acceptance of state and federal inspection and laboratory findings, and systematic, timely sharing of data on pathogens recovered from contaminated foods and from ill persons.

Hedging strategic flexibility in the distribution optimization problem

Motivated by the increasing prevalence of flexibility hedging in corporate-level risk management programs, this paper focuses on the treatment of hedging operational risks in the coordinated replenishment and shipment for distribution systems. The forward option pricing model with the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) model for stochastic demand forecasting is adopted for constructing inventory volume flexibility. We therefore propose a hedge-based coordinated inventory replenishment and shipment (HCIRS) methodology for flexibly making inventory hedging and optimal routing assignment decisions as well as coordinating replenishment and shipment policies. The HCIRS methodology provides insight into strategic flexibility adopted for a real-life inventory–distribution problem faced by one of the major East Asia food supply networks and turns out to be very efficient. The proposed HCIRS methodology has provided evidence of better results than the traditional operational techniques for the presented case in this paper.

Application of Information Technologies in Food Supply Chains and Networks Management in the Environment of Food Market Globalisation - Traceability Concept

Application of Information Technologies in Food Supply Chains and Networks Management in the Environment of Food Market Globalisation - Traceability Concept

Productive efficiency and firm exit in the food sector

This work examines the effects of productive efficiency on the survival of firms in the Greek food sector. Technical and scale efficiency scores are computed within a data envelopment analysis (DEA) framework and are used as explanatory variables in a parametric (Weibull) survival model. High technical efficiency increases the median survival time and lowers the hazard rate of exit. As the scale efficiency of a firm operating either at increasing or decreasing returns to scale approaches one (1), its theoretically maximum value, the expected median survival time, is maximized for all types of exits. Developments in biotechnology, the evolution of alternative food supply networks, innovations in the food sector and competition policy are likely to affect technical and scale efficiency of food manufacturing firms. Results unraveling the effects of technical and scale efficiency on the survival of firms in the food sector are of particular relevance to food policy makers.