The objective of supply chain management (SCM) is to remove time and cost from supply chains, improving profitability and/or competitiveness. It is possible through conceptual advances, utilization of computer hardware and software, and other advances in electronic technology. Business...

Small- and medium-sized enterprises handling fruits and vegetables are disadvantaged by increasing concentration within the production-to-retailer chain. Retail grocer chains have become larger partly in response to the entry of mass merchandisers into food retailing. Shipper firms are expanding...

Consumers were surveyed to understand preference in an effort to stabilize acreage and market share in a minor strawberry production area. Preferred attributes were identified using conjoint analysis. Local product was highest in overall relative importance, followed by price, pesticide...

Irradiation of food products is one of several techniques that reduce the risk of food-borne illness. Despite its advantages, the technique has been used sparingly because consumers are wary about this technology. A logit model is used to evaluate the impacts of demographic factors on attitudes...

As the result of highly visible events that involve food safety (some involving oyster consumption), HACCP programs have been developed to help assure safety. A protocol for seafood products, developed cooperatively by regulators and industry, is in place. The cost of such programs has not been...

Trade is a venue for economic development and diversification. U.S. concerns focus on exports. However, imports of counter-seasonal produce items stimulate port activity. At ports used for these products, a marketing infrastructure develops that can be useful to the domestic produce industry....