Title: Linking consumer behaviour data into logistics planning in the food industry: analysing the potential of integration

Authors: Petri T. Helo, Harri T. Luomala

Addresses: Logistics Research Group, University of Vaasa, P.O. Box 700, FIN-65101 Vaasa, Finland. ' University of Vaasa/EPANET, Foodwest Ltd/Vaasantie 1C, 60100 Seinajoki, Finland

Abstract: Fragmentation of consumer demand and the need to personalise retail offers have led to the need to improve the responsiveness of the entire supply chain. This paper aims to build theory to integrate consumer behaviour data into logistics planning in the food industry. To connect consumer behaviour data with supply chain analysis, a product freshness and price sensitivity related consumer survey (n = 384) was first conducted. The paper demonstrates how the results of the consumer survey can be connected to logistics planning and cost engineering parameters.

Keywords: consumer behaviour; logistics planning; food industry; product freshness; price sensitivity; consumer survey; cost engineering; supply chain management; SCM.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2011.041865

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2011 Vol.9 No.4, pp.438 - 457

Published online: 06 May 2015 *

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