The Dutch potato sector went through a process of considerable concentration during the past two decades. The number of firms decreased substantially while production levels increased. The process of restructuring was triggered by a combination of shifting consumer demands, internationalisation...

This case study describes the evolution of supply chain partnerships in the British beef industry, driven by changing consumer demand, food safety legislation, a concentrated and highly competitive retail sector and the BSE crisis. The case examples demonstrate the importance of establishing...

Outlines the problems involved when marketing to consumers in mature markets. Emphasises the need to build a direct knowledge of their consumers and to differentiate the service, product and brand from those of competitors. Asserts that small, distinct service experiences will combine to create...

Both postponement and outsourcing have been identified as important characteristics of modern and competitive supply chains. The implementation of postponement may require extensive (spatial) reconfiguration of the supply chain. Presents findings from interviews with managers of food,...

This article examines the changes in the relationship between government departments and the UK construction industry brought about by the privatisation of the Property Services Agency (PSA). In particular, it shows that while there has been some encouragement for closer, and more long‐term,...

Studies the problem of producing a product range with high customer service in the implosive industries. In the implosive industries a wide range of end products are manufactured from a limited number of standard materials. The problem of producing a product range with high customer service is...

Given the rapid rates of technological improvements possible, using modern biotechnology, the product life cycle of new genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is likely to be short and, hence, those investing in their development will desire access to the widest international market possible....

Automatic replenishment systems that restock inventory based on actual demand triggers rather than relying on long‐range forecasts and layers of safety stock have been implemented in a great number of firms in recent years. Now these same firms are taking supply chain cooperation to another...

The Canadian lamb industry is small compared to lamb industries in many other countries and the supply chain for lamb is weak and fragmented. Without improvements in the flow of information, product quality and continuity of supply, the formal supply chain in Canada may collapse and Canadian...

The large‐scale introduction of a new packaging concept requires co‐ordination in two areas: organisational co‐ordination is necessary (negotiations between the parties involved), as well as technical co‐ordination (technical specifications). These aspects are analysed in this paper on...