Closer vertical co‐ordination of supply chains is becoming a prevalent feature in the agri‐food sectors of many countries. Presents a framework within which to analyse these changes. The framework links drivers for change to product characteristics, which in turn affect transaction...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show that a proactive sourcing strategy can be just as important as a proactive marketing strategy in achieving sustainable competitive advantage. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reports on action research carried out in the UK beef industry,...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify important elements of a strategy to facilitate small farmer participation in international supply chains for fresh produce. Design/methodology/approach – The study employs survey data collected from a national sample of US fresh produce...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to seek to show how the implementation of different quality assurance programs (QAPs) affects international market access for horticultural processing firms in developing countries. Design/methodology/approach – A representative survey of 50 registered...

Considers the challenge facing an agricultural co‐operative operating in a commodity market but seeking ways of adding value both to the output of its members and to the services it offers to its members and its customers. Highlights the importance of trust and the value of developing close...

Presents the need for the European agribusiness and food industries to redesign and reposition their activities in the food supply chain, both at a technical and organizational level, in order to achieve customer satisfaction and business efficiency. Focuses on the findings of ten supply chain...

Marketing systems for fresh food products are frequently analysed in the economics and marketing literature, most often either in terms of a quantitative model reflecting some policy or environmental concern, or in terms of a simple description of the shape and size of the system. Considers...

Many agribusiness firms in Australia are buying into the concept of SCM but are not sure how to apply it. Provides some guidance for firms who are considering following the SCM track. Presents a checklist for auditing potential supply chain partners which has proved useful in focusing the minds...

The announcement in February 1997, that scientists at the Roslin Institute, Edinburgh and at PPL Therapeutics had successfully cloned a sheep from another adult sheep raised many interesting questions. Ignoring the hotly debated and important ethical issues, this note explores the potential...

This paper outlines the Scotch Quality Beef and Lamb Association (SQBLA) approach to quality assurance and product traceability in the beef and lamb sectors. The schemes employed provide assurance that set quality standards have been maintained throughout the production and marketing chain from...