Grocery Distribution Research Articles

Developing Ergonomic Interventions to Reduce Musculoskeletal Disorders in Grocery Distribution Centers

The purpose of this work was to explore intervention concepts aimed at addressing the workers' needs in grocery distribution centers. Worker interviews indicated that many of the items that they handle are heavy, including cases of meat (up to 80 lbs), juice, water, and detergent. Management and safety personnel who participated in a brainstorming focus group session indicated key ergonomic issues include the weight of the meat cases, extended reaching, and even more specifically, overhead reaching. Intervention ideas discussed during the brainstorming indicated a need for mechanisms that reduce reach distances by keeping product close to the order picking aisle and mechanisms that relieve the physical burden of handling heavy product from their storage slots onto the order-picker's pallet jack.

Work and employment in distribution and exchange: moments in the circuit of capital

ABSTRACTThis article examines the ‘politics of production’ within grocery warehousing and distribution. In doing so, it highlights the complex linkages between logistics companies and their dominant supermarket customers. Building on the work of Glucksmann and the notion of the ‘total social organisation of labour’, the article reveals how an understanding of employment change within grocery distribution necessarily involves mapping these linkages, thereby examining how they impact on the labour process. Drawing on case‐study evidence from two third‐party grocery distribution companies, it examines empirically the nature of the linkages between these organisations and their effects on the labour process. It also explores the extent to which organised labour within these interconnected distribution companies is able to mediate and re‐shape the requirements placed upon them by their customers. It concludes by highlighting how the power of the retailers and the corresponding ‘logistics revolution’ has reshaped the politics of production. In addition, it calls for an understanding of work and employment in warehousing and distribution, which engages with the complex articulation between production, distribution and exchange.

Radio frequency identification tagging

PurposeThe principal rationale for this study is to investigate the implications of the introduction of radio frequency identification (RFID) tagging on suppliers. Emphasis concerns the impact it is likely to have on suppliers to the UK grocery retail market.Design/methodology/approachPrimary research focuses on UK grocery suppliers' perception, with two specific research questions: “What are the implications of the introduction of RFID on suppliers?” and “How will these implications impact on the success of RFID in the future?” In‐depth interviews were conducted with a selection of different suppliers to gather attitudes towards RFID technology.FindingsRFID is highly topical, and currently at the forefront of many supply chain managers' minds. This study focuses on business‐to‐business implications of RFID to the FMCG/perishable food sectors, notably in comprehension of an under‐researched area of supplier perspective. This study concludes that in order to keep costs of application of RFID to a minimum, retailers and suppliers need to develop standardized but flexible systems. Implementation of RFID must take into account the context of supply chain power imbalance.Research limitations/implicationsReviewed literature suggests existing focus has been on the operational benefits to be gained from implementation of RF‐technology, and a good deal of work conducted has concerned the issue of consumer privacy. There has been one major investigation (in the UK), conducted by the Institute of Grocery Distribution concerning implications for the retailing industry; however, there is still a gap in the literature concerning attitudes of suppliers (notably with regard to the grocery sector). This study redresses this balance by conducting field work with suppliers.Practical implicationsTo prevent any future animosity retailers and suppliers must work together and costs need to be more equitably distributed. The FMCG/perishable food categories appear to offer a specific challenge to RFID introduction; however, future study is considered necessary to capture the diversity in these sectors.Originality/valueThe paper provides information of value to all those involved with methods of verification in the supply chain.

Nutritional models

Summary A number of nutritional models have recently been developed in the UK. The Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD)’s Industry Nutrition Strategy Group reviewed these models. A number of criteria were used to develop a template, making it easier to compare and contrast the models and to better understand the intended aims of the models and how they work. This work also highlighted a number of issues that need to be considered when a model is developed.

The value of proprietary and shared information technology

There is an ongoing debate about the effects of IT investments, and this paper will follow on this debate by discussing the effects of IT investments on productivity as well as the strategic potential of IT. Based on empirical studies on two Swedish value chains, the grocery distribution and the logging industry, this paper discusses the following questions: Are investments in shared solutions, rather than proprietary solutions, providing the primary contribution to productivity gains? Are shared solutions contributing to competitive advantage? Is competitive advantage achieved through the information generated in shared solutions? The results are supported by other empirical studies within the IToP (Impact of IT on Productivity) research programme of Linkoping University, Sweden.

The origin of Guideline Daily Amounts and the Food Standards Agency's guidance on what counts as 'a lot' and 'a little'.

This paper provides the rationale for the Guideline Daily Amounts (GDAs) for fat, saturated fat and other nutrients that appear on food labels in the UK. These GDAs are provided voluntarily by manufacturers and retailers and were developed to help people make better use of nutrition labelling--the format of which is prescribed by the European Union's nutrition labelling directive. The paper also describes the basis to some Rules of Thumb for what counts as 'a lot' or 'a little' of fat, saturated fat and other nutrients, in an individual food. The paper gives the background to, and purpose of, the GDAs and Rules of Thumb and explains how they were calculated. It briefly describes their subsequent usage by food producers and others. Both GDAs and the Rules of Thumb first appeared in a leaflet developed by the authors and published in 1996 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. GDAs for fat, saturated fat and energy were adopted subsequently by the Institute of Grocery Distribution and then by many retailers and some manufacturers. The Rules of Thumb for fat, saturated fat, sugar and sodium have recently been republished in some leaflets published by the Food Standards Agency in the UK. GDAs and Rules of Thumb may provide useful ways of helping consumers make sense of nutrition labelling. The current GDAs and the Rules of Thumb could usefully be updated in the light of recent developments.

Linking practices reflective of “Asian values” and relationship marketing in the grocery distribution channels in Malaysia

The paper focuses on the assessment of practices reflective of relationship marketing and those that can be associated with “Asian values”. The argument that is often put forward is whether there really exists what can be regarded as “Asian values” since there are no common values in life that can be adopted by all Asian societies and with which all in this region can be identified. Yet, the term “Asian values” is still widely used to depict Asians’ attitudes in general, their beliefs and the way they work. This study, therefore, explores current practices among members in the Malaysian grocery distribution channels that may indicate elements of relationship marketing or work practices commonly associated with “Asian values”.

Integrating the supply chain: industrial relations implications in US grocery distribution

Recent technological innovations have emphasised increasing integration between enterprises across the supply chain. This article reviews these developments within US grocery distribution and highlights the potential for supply chain integration to increase union bargaining power, as well as employer strategies aimed at reducing the threat of industrial vulnerability resulting from cross‐enterprise interdependence.

IS THE QUALITY OF FRUITS IN THE MARKET RESPONDING TO THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF THE QS OF EU?

IS THE QUALITY OF FRUITS IN THE MARKET RESPONDING TO THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF THE QS OF EU?

The naked truth of celebrity endorsement

This case study examines the use of celebrity endorsement in the formation of the retail image of leading European grocery distribution group J. Sainsbury, in particular, the process of transference of celebrity images to the product’s image. The incorporation of Jamie Oliver (well known as television celebrity The Naked Chef) into the promotions of one of Britain’s leading grocery chains involves a high profile campaign that has been adopted in order to imbue the company’s products with an image of quality. The success of the campaign has been replicated in New Zealand by another grocery retail “giant”, Foodstuffs, who have also adopted The Naked Chef to endorse their products. The case draws on field research with consumers and key informant interviews with advertising agency personnel who identified the criterion for the choice of Jamie Oliver. The extent to which the market place recognises and consumers associate themselves with the image Jamie projects as a celebrity endorser for J. Sainsbury is explored.

Building Union Power Through the Supply Chain: Mapping Opportunities and Jurisdictional Boundaries in Grocery Distribution

The trend towards increasing integration within the grocery supply chain is identified and its implications for trade union organizing explored. While offering greater efficiencies and reduced costs for employers, supply chain integration may also offer unions a new lever for organizing. The article outlines a methodology for mapping union coverage and highlights potential impediments to union organizing such as contracting out and jurisdictional disputes. Unions need to adopt a strategic approach to organizing and the early resolution of jurisdictional conflicts in order to take full advantage of current changes within the grocery supply chain.

Comparing transactional forms in administered, contractual and corporate systems in grocery distribution

The typology of administered, contractual and corporate vertical marketing systems is tested through transactional form constructs (e.g., centralization and formalization). Our results show significant differences among the three types of organizational modes within the grocery distribution industry.

Determining what should be taught during lift-training instruction

Every year many workers who perform manual materials handling tasks receive training on lifting techniques. The goal of these training programs is to reduce the biomechanical loads experienced by the spine, thereby reducing the potential for low back injury. The purpose of this article was to determine the effectiveness of specific lifting techniques used in the training of 955 material handling workers at 14 grocery, retail, and beverage distribution centers in controlling the three-dimensional spine moments experienced during simulated work tasks. Each subject underwent up to five one-on-one training sessions with a coach over a 12 month period (time = 0, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months) while instrumented with the LiftTrainer TM biofeedback system. This PC-based system quantified the tri-axial moments at L5/S1 as trainees lifted and provided the coach with real-time audio feedback and post-lift charting to quantify progress. The coach used the objective data in guiding the trainee towards behaviors that reduced one or more of the directional moments. Within each training session, several different techniques were usually suggested by the coach. At the completion of the session each trainee was rated on a 4-point scale as to how well each of the techniques was adopted. These scales became the independent variables in three multiple regression analyses used to determine which techniques account for the within session change in the moment values and which could best be used to predict performance at the end of a session. Results indicated that trainees should be taught to slide boxes close prior to lifting, move the box and body together, initiate the lift by shifting the gaze upward, and think strategically about the lifting task in order to reduce the forward bending moments. Twisting moments were reduced by keeping the box close, moving the feet, and moving the box and body together. The lowest side-bending moments occurred with smoother lifts and the use of body english during load placement.

Supplier-Retailer Relationships in Grocery Distribution in Malaysia: Indications of Dominance, Conflict, and Cooperation

ABSTRACT This exploratory study sets out to assess the presence of dominance, conflict and cooperation in channel relationships between grocery suppliers and retailers in Malaysia. There have been extensive studies on these channel issues in markets of developed countries but very little is known in markets of developing countries such as Malaysia. The initial assessment identifies traces of dominance, conflict and cooperation in the Malaysian channel environment. The findings suggest that the retailers perceive the suppliers as being more in control of the grocery distribution channels as indicated by the extent of influence they exert on channel functioning. The suppliers also acknowledged their roles in channel functioning as they felt that most channel issues are within their control. There also appears to be evidence of relationship characteristics identical to aspects of relationship marketing.

Bursting with energy

Bursting with energy

What is the future for GM foods in the UK?

An Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) industry workshop to explore possible future scenarios for GM foods concluded that, from the current market rejection of GM soya, any development of consumer acceptance of GM products will be a gradual process. Niche markets are likely to develop first, possibly through the introduction of products delivering overt consumer benefits. Mainstream markets, possibly leading to full consumer acceptance of GM products, may eventually follow. The timescale for these changes is likely to be at least five to ten years for the development of niche markets, and possibly as long as 20 or even 40 years for full acceptance of GM products.

Cost‐effectiveness in the e‐grocery business

In the grocery business online start‐ups, e‐grocers, have in the last few years developed new business models to challenge the traditional bricks‐and‐mortar supermarkets. However, many of the big players in the e‐grocery business, such as Peapod and Webvan in the USA, still operate in the red. They have financed rapid growth by collecting hundreds of millions of dollars from investors. These huge investments have enabled the e‐grocers to enter the grocery market but, on the other hand, ineffective operations have used up capital on operating expenses. If the e‐grocers want to become serious challengers to the traditional bricks‐and‐mortar business, they need to cut operational costs dramatically and fast. This paper illustrates some basic principles for cutting operational costs in the e‐grocery business. The focus is on picking efficiency and order assembly costs. Solutions for achieving better picking efficiency are discussed. In addition, one detailed example of how a grocery distribution centre for efficient picking could be designed is presented.

Discovering Relational Bonds in Channel Relationships

This study addresses the issue of relational bonding between retailers and suppliers within the grocery distribution channels in Malaysia. It reflects the relationship marketing concept in assessing in-terorganizational relationships. The importance of ‘guanxi’ or special relationship between channel members within the grocery distribution network in Malaysia is identified as a significant factor affecting channel interaction. The influence of the Chinese and their business philosophies are evident in the Malaysian grocery distribution channel. Business relationships between channel members require effective negotiation strategies and with the understanding of ‘guanxi’, the emphasis is on building long-term relationships to ensure continuous and profitable associations.

IGD food labelling initiatives on food allergens and food safety

Summary An Institute of Grocery Distribution initiative on food labelling has recently addressed two areas of public concern – the presence of allergens in foods and general food safety. Voluntary Guidelines on Labelling, developed by cross‐sector working groups in these areas, have recently been published and are briefly summarised in this paper.

Towards an understanding of European grocery supply chains

Although international retailing has received increased research attention in recent years, there have been few contributions to the academic literature on the supply chain implications of the internationalization process or the variations in logistics networks in different geographical markets. This paper seeks to explore such variations by providing a taxonomy of European grocery distribution networks through the use of cluster analysis on 18 logistics-related variables applied to 10 country markets. The results show that the grocery retail market in Europe continues to exhibit significant differences at the country level. Similarities exist on several variables but there is a high degree of variability between country clusters on the three sub-sets of market structure, trading format and physical/socio-economic infrastructure.