Abstract:

In Northern European fresh produce Supply Chain (SC) the evolution from horizontal alignment to
vertically coordinated value chains allows the implementation of sophisticated traceability information systems, providing with necessary transparency in information sharing between SC actors. On the other hand, fresh produce SCs aim in local markets in the South lack of efficient communication and information transparency. In this paper, the current status of traceability schemes in Greek fresh produce SC is scrutinized. Tight profit margins and inadequate knowledge on potential benefits of traceability systems are reported as some of the main factors hindering traceability efficiency in Greek fresh produce SC. Paper argues that the key element in identifying a suitable traceability system is the analysis of information architecture. Supporting information mobility in the e-SC of the fresh produce enables full visibility during SC operations and product related history recorded and retrieved by the SC partners when required.