Cluster building and logistics network integration of local food supply chain

Abstract

SAMMARYIn the agriculture sector, globalization of food production has considerably influenced the food supply system by increasing distance the food has to be transported to reach consumers. This situation not only has increased emissions of greenhouse gases but also has reduced the relationship between local food producers and consumers, affecting local food producers, their environment and culture.In this study, local food supply chain characteristics were investigated using data from some local food producers and existing large-scale food distribution centers from entire Sweden. A coordinated distribution system of locally produced food was developed to improve logistics efficiency; reduce environmental impact; increase potential market for local food producers and to improve traceability of food origin for consumers. For this, integrated logistics networks were developed by forming clusters of producers and determining the optimum collection centers of food products for each cluster. These food collection centers could be linked to food producers, food distributors and consumers/retailers enabling coordinated distribution of local food products and facilitated the integration of food distribution from the collection centers into large scale food distribution channels.The analysis carried out using tools such as Geographic Information System and Route LogiX software indicated that integrating the logistics activities in the delivery system of local food has advantages. It reduced the transport distance and time and the number routes of food collection and distribution. The possibility of integration of local food distributions into large scale food distribution channels increased the potential market for local food producers. These indicate its positive impact on environmental issue and traceability of food quality and origin. However, in this study, the locations of the customers of each producer and the existing delivery routes from producers to customers could not be mapped due to the shortage of data. Therefore, site specific and more detailed further studies have been recommended. II ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS III ABSTRACTFood supply chain is the current focus in terms of food safety and environment. The objective of this study was to investigate the local food supply chain characteristics and develop a coordinated distribution system to improve logistics efficiency, reduce environmental impact, increase potential market for local food producers and improve traceability of food origin for consumers. The study was based on data from 90 local food producers and 19 existing large scale food distribution centers (LSFDC) from all over Sweden.Location analysis was done using geographic information system (GIS), to map locations of producers and LSFDCs; to build cluster (C) of producers; and to determine optimal product collection centers (CC). The route analysis was carried out using Route Logix software, firstly for the case of produce collection from farms to CCs based on two scenarios: (1) producers transport their...

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