Title: A case study evaluation of the factors affecting fresh produce traceability

Authors: Ioannis Manikas, Basil Manos, Maro Vlachopoulou, Vassiliki Manthou

Addresses: School of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Economics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, Thessaloniki, 54124 Greece. ' School of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Economics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, Thessaloniki, 54124 Greece. ' Department of Applied Informatics, University of Macedonia, 156 Egnatia Str., Thessaloniki, 54006 Greece. ' Department of Applied Informatics, University of Macedonia, 156 Egnatia Str., Thessaloniki, 54006 Greece

Abstract: This paper examines the different approaches given in literature on the factors that influence the efficiency of traceability in the agri-food sector in a particular fresh produce supply chain. An empirical research was conducted, which enables a more descriptive and exploratory approach. The technique used in this research was semi-structured in depth interviews with key personnel from each firm. Lack of vertical integration is observed in the particular supply chain. Ephemeral dynamic collaborations prevail, not allowing information flow transparency. Multi fragmentation is evident in all levels of the supply chain. Most of the transactions are based on personal relations built with suppliers and customers, while e-communication and e-transactions act complementarily, if exist. This reveals a non-systematic approach towards essential supply chain activities such as information flow and traceability.

Keywords: traceability; fresh produce; supply chain management; SCM; information systems; agriculture; food industry; agri-foods; vertical integration; ephemeral dynamic collaboration; information flow; multi fragmentation; personal relations; suppliers; customers; e-communication; electronic communication; e-transactions; electronic transactions; online transactions; non-systematic approaches.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBIR.2010.032385

International Journal of Business Innovation and Research, 2010 Vol.4 No.3, pp.232 - 255

Published online: 02 Apr 2010 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article