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• Performance imbalances in the chain: EU traditional food sector

  7-11

  Adrienn Molnár

  Xavier Gellynck

  Views:

  348

  Organizations nowadays no longer competeas independent entities, but as chains(Christopher, 1998; Cox, 1999; Lambertand Cooper, 2000). Hence, being part of a well-performing chain is crucial for the future of the individual food firm, especially in the context of the globalizing economy. As a result, the objective of this study is to identify performance imbalances of traditional food chains.Therefore, quantitative data were collected via individual interviews with 271 chain member (91 suppliers, 91 focal companies and 89 customers) of 91 traditional food chains from three European countries(Belgium, Italy and Hungary), representing six different traditional food product categories (cheese, beer, ham, sausage, white pepper and bakery). The results differentiate six different kinds of chain imbalances, namely: dyadic upper and lower, up-and down stream, internal and external indicate both dyadic and chain-wise imbalance. Most chain imbalances are noticed in relation to lowering logistic costs and to reducing lead time. Future research should extend the list of performance indicators with parameters other than economical ones such as ecological and social ones.

• THE INFLUENCE OF GOVERNANCE ON FOOD LOSS AND WASTE: A TANZANIAN PINEAPPLE VALUE CHAIN PERSPECTIVE

  Anna Kanyangemu

  Betty Waized

  Florens Turuka

  Views:

  89

  Food loss and waste remain a substantial challenge in agricultural value chains, particularly in developing countries. This study examines the influence of governance of food loss and waste within the pineapple value chain in Tanzania. Using qualitative methods, data were collected in Dar es Salaam. Geita, Morogoro, and Pwani regions through focus group discussions, interviews, and observations. The study mapped actors and explored the role of governance, power dynamics, and coordination, drawing on resource dependence and institutional theories to explain how actor relationships, power imbalances, and institutional influences shape food loss and waste. Three types of governance structures were revealed- Spot market, captive, and relational structures, affecting food loss differently. In the captive governance structures, pre-finance arrangements lock farmers into selling only to specific traders, often leading to significant on-farm losses when market conditions shift. Spot markets, on the other hand, generate losses when harvested fruits do not meet the informal standards set by buyers, such as size, ripeness, and other physical attributes, due to limited market information. Weak coordination, information asymmetry, and power imbalances among value chain actors contribute to substantial food loss and waste. Main challenges faced by farmers include poor access to markets, financial constraints, and weak bargaining power. Institutional gaps, including weak regulatory frameworks and inadequate support from government and private sector, exacerbate inefficiencies. The study emphasizes that governance plays a central role in shaping food loss and waste. Strengthening farmers' associations, improving market linkages, and addressing institutional gaps are critical for reducing food loss and waste and increasing value chain resilience.