Vegetable Supply Chain Research Articles

An Assessment of the Factors Causing Food Waste along the Vegetable Supply Chain at Soweto Market in Lusaka

An Assessment of the Factors Causing Food Waste along the Vegetable Supply Chain at Soweto Market in Lusaka

Sustainable supplier selection among supermarket’s fresh fruits and vegetable supply chains based on circular practices in India

Sustainable supplier selection among supermarket’s fresh fruits and vegetable supply chains based on circular practices in India

Modelling the Critical Causal Factors of Postharvest Losses in the Vegetable Supply Chain in eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality: The Log-Linear regression Model

Vegetables, rich in essential bioactive compounds, are crucial for human health and vital to the global food system. However, the supply chain for vegetables is intricate, marked by product seasonality, demand variability, and limited shelf life. These factors contribute to significant losses, with 44% of global vegetable production wasted at various stages in the food chain. Postharvest losses (PHLs) are a considerable issue, posing risks to food security and economic sustainability. Despite numerous interventions aimed at reducing PHLs, a comprehensive understanding of the primary causes remains insufficient, preventing the implementation of practical solutions. The study investigates the factors causing PHLs in the vegetable supply chain. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data from 238 farmers. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design and a multi-stratified random sampling method. Descriptive statistics and log-linear regression were used to analyze the data. The results revealed that 56% of the farmers were women, with an average age of 45 and a household size of five. Most farmers had completed 12 years of education, with 76% being unemployed and 78% depending on farming as their primary source of income. The regression analysis showed that age, distance to markets, and lack of transportation were significant factors at the 1% level. In contrast, education, farming experience, market access, and weather conditions were significant at the 5% level. The study recommends policies promoting innovative postharvest technologies alongside investment in infrastructure to mitigate these losses.

Biological factors and production challenges drive significant UK fruit and vegetable loss.

Food loss and waste estimates are highly inconsistent as a result of methodological and systemic differences. Additionally, the absence of in-depth evidence surrounding the biological drivers of food loss and waste precludes targeted mitigation action. To address this challenge, we undertook a metanalysis utilising a systematic literature review combined with industry stakeholder surveys to examine the incidence of food loss and waste in the UK fruit and vegetable supply chain between primary production and retail. We estimated that 37% of fruit and vegetables, equivalent to 2.4 Mt of produce, is lost between production and sale. In the UK, primary production is the main stage responsible for these losses (58%), and is dominated by four crops (apple, onion, carrot and potato), which contribute 71% of total food loss and waste. Quality and supply/demand mismatch are the core drivers, combined with limited ability to control postharvest quality decline as a result of technical or economic barriers. Innate biological mechanisms contribute to, and detract from, marketable quality generating food loss risks where these cannot be adequately modified or controlled. Through climate change effects, reduced pesticide availability, changing consumer behaviour and increased pressure to reduce resource/energy inputs during pre- and postharvest handling, food loss and waste risk is likely to increase in the short term unless targeted, coordinated action is taken to actively promote its mitigation. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

A multi-level multi-product supply chain network design of vegetables products considering costs of quality: A case study.

Effective logistics management is crucial for the distribution of perishable agricultural products to ensure they reach customers in high-quality condition. This research examines an integrated, multi-echelon supply chain for perishable agricultural goods. The supply chain consists of four stages: supply, processing, storage, and customers. This study investigates the quality-related costs associated with product perishability to maximize supply chain profitability. Key factors considered include the network design, location of processing and distribution centers, the ability to process raw products to minimize post-harvest quality degradation, the option to sell the excess produce to a secondary market due to unpredictable yields, and the decision not to fulfill demand from distant customers where significant quality loss and price drops would be involved, instead diverting those products to the aforementioned secondary market. Quantitative methods and linear mathematical programming are employed to model and validate the proposed supply chain using actual data from a real-world case study on vegetable supply chains. The main contribution of this research is the incorporation of quality costs into the objective function, which allows the supply chain to prioritize meeting nearby customers' demands with minimal quality loss over serving distant customers where high quality loss is unavoidable. Additionally, deploying a faster transportation fleet can significantly improve the overall profitability of the perishable product supply chain.

Adoption of Multi-Modal Transportation for Configuring Sustainable Agri-Food Supply Chains in Constrained Environments

Agri-food supply chains have the potential to make a significant contribution to achieving sustainable development goals through ongoing improvements in their configurations. A range of strategic, tactical, and operational level decisions pertaining to the design and operation of sustainable supply chains have been studied in the extant literature. However, investigations into the adoption of multi-modal transportation as a strategic decision in the context of agri-food supply chains operating in constrained environments are limited. As such, in this study, the adoption of bi-modal transportation for the domestic vegetable supply chain in a developing country context under certain constraints was examined. A mixed-integer linear programming model was developed to determine the volume and direction of the product flow to achieve the minimum total food-miles and smallest emissions footprint. As a case study, a Sri Lankan mainstream vegetable supply chain was used to investigate the applicability of a combination of truck and railway modes to transport vegetables from farms to retailer locations via economic (consolidation) centers. The adoption of a bi-modal transportation structure demonstrated the potential to reduce food miles by 32%, transportation costs by 36%, contributions to global warming potential by 35%, and empty truck hauls by 38%, compared to a structure with truck-based, uni-modal transportation.

Socio-Economic, Health and Ecological Sustainability of Vegetable Supplies in West African Cities: Assessment of Stakeholders’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices in Accra and Greater Lomé

In West Africa, vegetable supply chain development projects in Accra and Greater Lomé focus scarcely on the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of vegetable producers, traders and processors. Thus, the research aims to assess the level of sanitary, socio-economic and environmental sustainability of vegetable production, trade and processing in these cities, based on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of stakeholders. A quantitative multi-criteria evaluation approach was adopted, with reference to Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standard 13 and Codex Alimentarius (CXC 1-1969 then CXC 53-2003). A sample of 303 people (156 in Accra and 147 in Greater Lomé) was formed using purposive sampling based on the assertion of E.R. Babbie (2016) and L. Kish (1965) combined with the comparison of S. Sudman (1976). Kobocollect and MS Excel respectively served to collect data and calculate KAP scores and percentages. Arcgis and Google Earth facilitated geographic representation of the data. The results reveal low rates of ecological (27.2%), health (26.9%), socio-economic (39.9%), technological and innovative (18.6%) KAP, evaluated at 28.6%. These results are unfavorable to the achievement of the SDGs. Hence the importance of an integrated, ongoing eco-nutritional education program for all stakeholders.

Development Path and Problem Analysis of the "Vegetable Basket" Project in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

This paper examines the current agricultural product supply dynamics within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, focusing on the vegetable supply chain. By investigating the five main participants involved in supplying vegetables to Hong Kong, it delves into the operational aspects of these enterprises, including their distribution networks, logistical arrangements, and customs procedures. Moreover, it analyzes the characteristics and influencing factors behind the distribution of supply bases. Through this comprehensive study, it becomes evident that each participant follows a distinct development trajectory, resulting in various associated challenges. In light of these findings, the paper puts forth strategic recommendations aimed at fostering the value-added development of the entire industry chain. Additionally, it offers forward-looking insights into the burgeoning distribution centers, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to address existing issues and seize emerging opportunities. By implementing the proposed strategies, the sustainability and efficiency of the Greater Bay Area's agricultural supply chain can be enhanced, paving the way for its continued growth and development.

Understanding how governance arrangements within agricultural supply chains influence farmers' SAP adoption for adaptation and mitigation practices

CONTEXTIn order for farmers in developing countries to combat the effects of climate change, sustainable agricultural practices (SAP) have been promoted, but their adoption rate remains modest. Prior research examining psychological and socio-economic issues has identified farmers' limited knowledge and capital contribute to this problem. However, supply chain systems that require farmers to follow formal and informal rules (governance arrangements) have received little attention in previous studies. OBJECTIVEFrom a system thinking standpoint, this article seeks to comprehend farmers decision regarding SAP adoption by examining the influence of governance arrangements on the socioeconomic and psychological aspects of farmers. This paper concentrates specifically on governance arrangements between farmers and midstream actors, to whom farmers sell their products directly. METHODThis study utilises a qualitative research methodology, specifically employing multiple case studies. A system thinking approach utilising a Causal Loop Diagram was applied to comprehend farmers decision regarding SAP adoption. The case studies cover supply chain systems that have different governance arrangements. The study focused on examining the rice supply chains in Indramayu District and the fresh vegetable supply chains in West Bandung District, located in West Java, Indonesia. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONThis paper found that different governance arrangements exhibit distinct influences, which in turn have varying impacts on farmers' decisions to adopt SAP. Governance arrangements that foster greater market integration and exert influence on the psychological (e.g., knowledge and information) and socio-economic (e.g., provision of production inputs and price assurance) aspects are regarded as the most effective approach to promoting the adoption of SAP by farmers. Furthermore, this paper revealed that midstream actors play a crucial role in promoting the adoption of SAP among farmers. SIGNIFICANCEThis paper contributes to the body of knowledge on how governance arrangements within agricultural supply chains influence farmers decision regarding SAP adoption. Specifically, it investigates the influence of midstream actors in facilitating farmers' adoption of SAP by addressing their psychological and socioeconomic requirements. The findings imply that government supports must be extended to midstream actors that have made efforts to persuade their farmers to implement SAP as a means of addressing climate change, as well as implementing midstream actors-to-farmer extension initiatives alongside the government's existing farmer-to-farmer extension programmes.

Intelligent transportation storage condition assessment system for fruits and vegetables supply chain using internet of things enabled sensor network

Intelligent transportation storage condition assessment system for fruits and vegetables supply chain using internet of things enabled sensor network

Barriers to digital transformation in fruit and vegetable supply chains: a multicriteria analysis using ISM and MICMAC

Barriers to digital transformation in fruit and vegetable supply chains: a multicriteria analysis using ISM and MICMAC

Characterization of Post-harvest Losses along the Supply Chain of Vegetables in Punjab

Background: The loss of vegetables is immense which is accrued to its perishability and sub optimal level of post-harvest management. There is a technological gap in adoption of harvesting and post-harvesting practices by farmers. There is sparse qualitative and quantitative assessment of post-harvest losses of vegetables in Punjab. The objective of the study is to identify the operation and channel where the losses are crossing the threshold, to estimate the extent of losses and characterize them at various post-harvest operations and levels for selected vegetables in Punjab and to analyse the factors responsible for post-harvest losses. Methods: The sample in survey location consisted of all the stakeholders of supply chain network for vegetables in the state of Punjab, India. The stakeholders consisted of farmers, wholesalers and retailers. The study adopted cluster sampling technique. The clusters selected for the study were Nakodar, Malerkotla and Baba Bakala Sahib and the vegetables selected for the study were potato, pea, tomato, okra and cauliflower. Further snowball sampling technique was used to select 80 farmers from each cluster, making up a total sample of 240 farmers and one reference each for wholesaler and retailer was identified in every cluster. Then using snowball technique, 2 wholesalers and 10 retailers were selected from each cluster. Thus, making total sample of 10 wholesalers and 30 retailers were selected for the study. The instrument used for the data collection was a structured interview schedule. The one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference test were employed to understand the significant difference in post-harvest losses between the selected vegetables and along the supply chain. Result: The results revealed that the maximum losses were observed in tomato crop at farm level (17.71%) and retailer level (30.10%) whereas at wholesaler level maximum losses were recorded in pea (8.19%). The extent of losses at farm level has been higher as compared to wholesaler level and it was highest at the retailer level. At farmer’s level it was observed that there have been significantly higher losses in tomato crop (17.7±13.35). At retailer level, significantly higher losses were observed in tomato (30.10±15.80) whereas at wholesaler level, significantly higher losses occurred in pea (12.29±3.15). There was no significant difference in losses between farmer and retailer level. Major cause of loss reported by tomato growers (88.6%) was infestation of fruits with disease and insect. Main reason of post-harvest losses in okra and cauliflower as stated by farmers were bruises/blackening and over maturity. Since the findings reveal that the major losses in the supply chain of vegetables was due to lack adoption of harvest and post-harvest practices at farmer’s level. It is suggested that field level training should be imparted to farmers regarding post-harvest management techniques.

Tedarik Zinciri Boyunca Sebze Kayıpları ve Atıkları, Geri Dönüşüm İçin Çiftçinin Ödeme İstekliliği: Yeşil Tedarik Zincirine Doğru

The aims of the study were (i) to determine amount of the vegetable losses and waste generated along the supply chain by production system such as under greenhouse and conventional system in open area, (ii) to explore the amount of willingness to pay for recycling vegetable losses and waste by composting and its determinants, (iii) to reveal the economic feasibility of composting vegetable losses and waste at district level and (iv) to calculate the individual and social cost of vegetable losses and waste along the supply chain by production system in Turkey. The farm level research data were collected from 81 conventional farms and 45 greenhouse farms in the Samsun province of Turkey by using questionnaires. In addition, 50 traders and 17 greengrocers, 13 supermarkets and 9 local marketers were interviewed. When quantifying vegetable losses and waste in mass, vegetable supply chain was examined in five different stages such as production, postharvest handling and storage, processing and packaging, distribution and retail. Contingent valuation method was used to asses willingness to pay of farmers, traders/merchants in wholesale market hall, greengrocer and super markets for composting of vegetable losses and waste. The economic feasibility of recycling of waste was revealed by using the net present value, cost-benefit analysis and internal rate of return. According to the research findings, the loss rates of vegetables produced per hectare in the greenhouse at the farm, wholesaler and retailer levels were respectively 2.2%; 1% and 20.3%. The loss rates of vegetables produced per hectare in the conventional farm at the farm, wholesaler and retailer levels were 3%, respectively; 0.9% and 16.8%. The individual loss of producers in the examined area was 0.67 thousand US $/year. The rates of individual loss of farms to annual agricultural income were 1.7% and 2.4% in greenhouse and conventional farms, respectively. Other individual losses in wholesales, retailer and consumers were 0.25, 4.89 and 1.02 thousand US $, respectively. The total social loss in the examined area was 6.83 thousand US $. When an assessment was made at the national level, the social loss was about 4% of the annual agricultural income. According to the research results, it has been concluded that depending on the amount of losses, the compost production facility to be established in the district can economically recycle vegetable losses and wastes.

Predicting future sales of vegetable category based on grid search optimized long and short term neural networks

In this study, a method of automatic prediction of vegetable sales volume was proposed by using long and short term neural network (LSTM) to solve the problem of quantity judgment in vegetable supply chain management. This text constructed a trained and optimized LSTM forecasting model by collecting historical sales data and selling and wholesale prices of vegetable markets. After the optimal parameters were determined by grid search, the model underwent 10 training cycles. The model evaluation for each vegetable category led to the following conclusion: the model performed well in predicting sales. By using the evaluation metrics of Mean Square Error (MSE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), it was found that the model predictions were close to the true values. In addition, the prediction results are summarized, showing the model's accurate prediction of vegetable sales volume. The results of the comparison chart between the real and predicted sales volume of each category of vegetables show that the model has good performance and accuracy in predicting the sales volume of vegetables, and the accurate forecast quantity can provide supply chain managers with more accurate inventory replenishment and pricing strategies.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SUPPLY CHAIN LINKAGES AND VEGETABLE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

This study investigates how supply chain linkages and the growth of the vegetable production sector are related. The study has two mediating variables: strategic orientation and competitiveness. Research data was collected from 405 vegetable production units in Hanoi. The study uses the PLS-SEM method to test the proposed hypotheses. Research results provide solutions for developing Hanoi's vegetable supply chain linkages.
 Keywords: Vegetable Industry, Supply Chain Linkages, Strategic Orientation, Competitiveness, Hanoi.

Prediction Of Vegetable Pricing and Replenishment Based on ARIMA Model

Vegetables are indispensable consumer goods in the daily diet of the majority of consumers. Reasonable pricing and replenishment strategies of vegetables are conducive to maintaining the interests of agricultural producers and promoting the stable development of the market. The main contents of this paper are two points: one is to visualize the pre-processed data and establish the distribution map of vegetable sales in recent years; Secondly, the ARIMA time series prediction model was established by linear fitting of the data, and the feasibility test of the prediction results was carried out to obtain the total daily replenishment quantity and price of each vegetable category in a period of time. Under the background of the new era with low-carbon green as the mainstream, this research has broad development space and prospect. The pricing and replenishment strategies formulated in this study can reduce the waste of vegetables in the whole consumption supply chain, maintain the purchasing power and living standard of consumers, and meet the market demand. Marketing techniques that promote healthy foods in supermarkets are important to encourage healthy eating at the population level. The content of this study can provide ideas for the optimization of vegetable supply chain, further use of new technology, reduce waste, improve efficiency, and ensure the quality and supply stability of vegetables. This study is also helpful to analyze consumer behavior and understand consumers' reactions to vegetable price fluctuations and changes in purchasing behavior in order to better predict market trends and adjust production and supply strategies.

Application of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Based Mobile Tracking to Improve the Geo-traceability of Mango Supply Chain: A Case Study

Purpose: Location tracing of agricultural supply chains is vital to ensure food safety. Mango supply chain in Sri Lanka involves many intermediaries and lacks traceability. GNSS based mobile tracking is a potential technique to assure quality of fresh produce through improved geo-traceability. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the feasibility of mobile tracking to enhance the geo-traceability of ‘Karthakolomban’ mango. Research Method: Supply chains were chosen based on mango collectors in Kurunegala District. Movements of mango were traced by real-time tracking of supply chain actors using the software developed to obtain GPS location of mobile phones. Feasibility for mobile tracking was assessed using, location data, origin, route, speed, unnecessary delays and movements. Findings: Omaragolla mango supply chain was highly dynamic, where most of the actors, routes and origins were varied without pre-planning. Only 67% of considered supply chains were successfully tracked. Rest was unsuccessful due to lack of technical knowhow of supply chain actors and signal failures. Unnecessary movements yielding 13% of additional distance and cost were observed in 25% of the supply chains. Mobile tracking enabled the identification of movements of mango, where it can be used for pre-planning, monitoring of the routes of actors and ultimately to ensure the geo-traceability. Research limitation: Even though geo-traceability improves the traceability of the fruit supply chain, there are other methods to ensure the traceability. Therefore, should be tested separately as well as coupled with the current approach. Originality/value: Findings of the case study can be guided to implement mobile tacking for any fixed fruits and vegetables supply chain to improve the geo-traceability aiming the food safety of the country.

An Evaluation of the Fruit Supply Chain in Selected Food Markets in Lagos, Nigeria

The logistics practices of vegetable supply chains play a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and timely delivery of fresh produce to consumers in Lagos State, Nigeria. However, the evaluation of these logistics practices, including transportation, storage, handling, and distribution, remains a critical area for research and improvement. This study aims to assess the logistics practices of the vegetable supply chain in Lagos State to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for enhancement. Through a combination of qualitative interviews, on-site observations, and data analysis, this study examines various aspects of logistics practices within the vegetable supply chain. Key areas of focus include transportation modes and routes, storage facilities and conditions, handling processes, inventory management, and distribution networks. The findings of this study will provide valuable insights into the current state of logistics practices within the vegetable supply chain in Lagos State. By identifying areas for improvement and best practices, this research aims to inform stakeholders, including farmers, wholesalers, retailers, transporters, and policymakers, about strategies to optimize logistics operations and enhance the competitiveness of the vegetable supply chain. Overall, this study contributes to the existing literature on supply chain management and logistics in the agricultural sector, particularly in urban settings like Lagos State. The insights gained from this research can guide future interventions and policy initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of vegetable supply chains, ultimately benefiting both producers and consumers in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Life Cycle Assessment of reusable plastic containers throughout the fruit and vegetables supply chain

In the food packaging industry, waste, resource utilisation, and transport are critical issues that significantly influence the food supply chain footprint. Several studies evaluated the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of food packaging systems by comparing alternative materials and sizes, such as plastic, cardboard, and wood. This study illustrates the results of a LCA conducted on a novel reusable plastic container (RPC) for fresh products travelling within a logistic network made of growers, retailers, package manufacturers, and RPC poolers. It is based on an Italian country-wide distribution system of fruit and vegetables. The novel contributions of this research deal with the utilisation of primary data and the development of a multi-scenario analysis considering different packaging solutions, production recipes, and energy mix at the production plant.

Analyzing Optimal Marketing Channels in the Vegetable Supply Chain: Exploring Factors Influencing Marketing Channel Selection

Potato is amongst most important vegetables being used in kitchens of ordinary and common men. The income elasticity of demand of potato is relatively high as compared with other vegetables. In Pakistan, the traditional fruit and vegetable markets and considered to be the places of pure competition and farmers are linked to these markets via different marketing channels. This study delves into the analysis of optimal marketing channels within the vegetable supply chain, with a focus on understanding the factors that influence the selection of these channels. The study used cross-sectional primary data gathered from different supply chain actors, including 120 potato growers, 20 retailers, 20 consumers, 16 commission agents, and 16 wholesalers from two districts of Punjab, namely Okara and Chinote. This research employs a two-fold methodology. First, it involves the identification of the optimal marketing channel among five alternatives using a unique ranking technique methodology. Second, it employs regression analysis with binary endogenous treatment to discern the factors affecting the choice of marketing channels. The study sheds light on the intricacies of marketing channel decisions in the vegetable supply chain, offering insights into the preferences and considerations of stakeholders in the Okara and Chinote districts of Punjab, Pakistan. The findings of the study contribute not only to the understanding of optimal channel selection but also to the broader knowledge of the factors that influence these decisions. These insights are valuable for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers aiming to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of marketing strategies within the agricultural sector, benefiting farming communities and the country as a whole.