Abstract:

The improvement of supply chain services’ operations in the agrifood sector is critical, signifying many reasons for further investigation in both vertical and horizontal level, including producers, cooperative unions, cooperatives, street markets, retail markets, wholesalers, super markets and end consumers. Retail consolidation, technological change in production and marketing, and growing consumer demand for produce, have altered the traditional market relationships between
producers, wholesalers, and retailers. Against these changing supply and demand relations, fresh produce suppliers are being asked to provide additional services and incentives in exchange for volume purchases and other commitments by buyers. The demand for such fees and services coincides with new modes of retailer operation. Necessary processes such as washing, sorting, packing and distributing products, provided either by third party logistics provider or by producers owning relevant facilities at their premises. Product quality followed by food safety and traceability consist drivers for competition that, could secure repeat purchasing. Moreover, the usage of packaging materials along with their reverse disposal plays an important role saving both environmental and economic resources, as waste reduction has become a prime concern in industrialized countries. In view of depleted landfill and incineration capacities, efforts are made to re-integrate used products into industrial production processes for further use.