Channel Management and differentiation strategies: A case study from the market for fresh produce

The paper analyses the current differentiation strategies in the market for fresh produce. First a short review of the literature on channel structure and product differentiation is presented, in order to identify, on a theoretical grounding the incentives for differentiation strategies. Second, a case study is drawn of a UK channel intermediary organisation carrying out differentiation policies in the fresh produce category (on behalf of UK multiple retailer customers) supplied by a dedicated Italian grower. Results show that in the fresh produce industry there is room for product differentiation, but with contradictory welfare effects.fresh produce, product differentiation, channel structure and management, Agribusiness, Marketing,

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

Local Food Marketing as a Development Opportunity for Small UK Agri-Food Businesseslocal food, marketing, small-business development, UK, Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Farm Management, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Food Security and Poverty, Production Economics, Risk and Uncertainty,

Opportunities for greater Lincolnshire's supply chains: summary report

A study of the key sector supply chains across Lincolnshire and the barriers and opportunities for growth

Living with power imbalance in the food supply chain

In the context of vertical agri-food industry business-to-business relationships in the United Kingdom, the majority of control lies with large multiple retailers. Predominant in agri-food channels is a reduced supplier sourcing model; category management and network supply co-ordination, through super middlemen, also are widely applied. Power-imbalanced business relationships appear important for understanding business exchanges, and power should be a central consideration in business relationships. However, imbalance in power is no specific barrier to parties entering collaborative relationships or to their success. The acceptance of power imbalances is a key step to successful relationship building in agri-food channels, and though collaborative chain activity may be beneficial, suppliers should recognise that such activity still means operating with imbalances in power and rewards

Opportunities for greater Lincolnshire's supply chains: full report

A study of the key sector supply chains across Greater Lincolnshire, and identification of barriers and opportuniteis for growth

Introduction to Special issue of Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing: Contemporary Purchasing Practices

This special issue provides an up to date collection of theories and research concerning how business practitioners manage purchasing, both their own purchasing and that of their suppliers

Challenges in Italian wine routes: managing stakeholder networks

Purpose – The aim of this article is to analyse how wine and tourism operators understand the concept of a wine route, in order to determine the impact that definition can have on the extent to which stakeholders working within distinct, but related sectors (namely wine production, tourism, food and hospitality) collaborate with each other and share knowledge. Design/methodology/approach – By adopting the theoretical lens of “boundary objects” (understood as tangible or intangible entities that allow the sharing of meaning to different groups and facilitate collaboration), this article uses a qualitative approach, based on semi-structured interviews of 20 informants working in three different wine routes in Italy. Analysis of data is carried out in order to highlight the similarities and differences between the wine and tourism (including identified associated service) industries. Findings – Wine routes can be considered boundary objects that, if clearly defined by local stakeholders, can facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration. Problems in collaboration could be explained by an initial mis-definition by stakeholders of what a wine route and its remit are. Research limitations – Since the theoretical lens of “boundary objects” was applied for the first time to wine routes and tourism, further research is necessary in order to validate its application. Practical implications – It is suggested that managers of wine routes involve all stakeholders in discussions to achieve a common understanding on what a wine route is and its role in the promotion of “place” (geographical context of the wine route). Only if this is done successfully, is it possible to achieve collaboration. Originality/value of the paper – This article uses the concept of “boundary objects” (a concept traditionally applied to the study of innovation) to the analysis of wine routes, and provides further theoretical and managerial insights concerning networking between wine and tourism sectors, taking a supply-side perspective

Sustainability in Alternative Food Networks: A Systematic Literature Review

In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to individuals’ organizing themselves and managing food systems in an ‘alternative’ and more sustainable way. Such emerging food initiatives are most commonly known as ‘Alternative Food Networks’ (AFNs). However, there is an ongoing debate concerning the extent to which AFNs facilitate social, economic and environmental change. There are criticisms of the overall sustainability promise of AFNs related to sufficiency of impact, possible counter effects and the relevance of impacts. Because empirical studies often only focus on specific sustainability issues or AFNs, it has been difficult to develop more robust theories about the relations between diverse AFNs arrangements and sustainability. Thus, the aim of this paper is to contribute towards reducing this knowledge gap through a systematic literature review on AFNs in relation to sustainability. We summarize main methodological approaches, the types of AFNs studied and sustainability dimensions addressed in literature to date. Findings serve as reference to propose opportunities for future research regarding sustainability in AFNs

Exploring producers' motivations and challenges within a farmers' market

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore food producers' motivations and challenges whilst participating in short food supply chains (SFSCs). This paper compares findings with previous literature and investigates the topic in the context of producers' motivations. Design/methodology/approach The paper includes a literature review concerning producers' motivations to engage in SFSCs. A case study was designed to investigate motivations underlying producers' engagement in SFSCs, as well as the challenges that they face. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in a farmers' market located in Mexico. Thematic analysis is used to identify the principal issues for producers'. Propositions based on findings are presented. Findings Findings suggest that small, large, part-time and full-time producers are willing to engage with farmers' markets for diverse primary economic and non-economic motivations. Individual and collective challenges were also identified. Originality/value This research helps to explain producers' motivations and challenges within SFSCs in an under-researched context, namely a focus on producers' and in the Global South

Consumer demand information as a re-balancing tool for power asymmetry between food retailers and suppliers

This conceptual paper presents a model that may be used to redress the power balance between retailers and suppliers in the supply chain through better information symmetry and mutual dependence. It explores power dependence and resource dependence theories to conceptualise the use of demand information, by drawing on the diverse viewpoints within the extant literature on the effect of supply chain power asymmetry on exchange relationships and mutual dependence. Co-optation adds stability and reduces uncertainty through the exchange of resources. The dynamic nature of relationships and power between retailers and suppliers requires a multi-theory approach to identify a robust understanding of the interplay of different influence factors. This study has both operational and strategic implications for the food supply chain, as power asymmetry in relationships affects sustainability, especially in sales promotions periods for both retailers and suppliers. Improving power equilibrium between the buyer and supplier through information symmetry with the integration of power and resource dependence theory is novel