Future and recent developments in the retail vegetable category – a value chain and food systems approach

Abstract

In this study, the value chain perspective was combined with a food systems approach to assess food system
responses in the value chain and external drivers from environmental and socioeconomic perspectives. The
research object was the Swedish value chain for vegetables, with the aim of providing a comprehensive
picture of current trends and drivers and identifying future developments important for vegetable growers,
producer organizations, wholesalers and retailers. The empirical data is based on in-depth interviews with
key-decision makers in the Swedish value chain, constituting a single case. The point of departure is that
key actors in this chain, from producer organizations to retailers, can provide a comprehensive picture on
the category’s past development and future directions. A combined food systems and value chain approach
has been applied. Drivers and chain responses have been identified and categorized into six main
categories related to: (1) health; (2) consumer interest for food and variation; (3) convenience; (4) origin;
(5) sustainability; and (6) urbanization. Value chain responses and future challenges as well as aspects on
value chain dynamics and sustainability issues in the food system are presented and discussed.

Keywords

value chain; food systems; trends; vegetables; retail

Published in

International Food and Agribusiness Management Review
2021, volume: 24, number: 1, pages: 27-49

SLU Authors

• Fernqvist, Fredrik

  • Department of People and Society, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Global goals (SDG)

SDG2 Zero hunger

UKÄ Subject classification

Business Administration
Food Science
Horticulture

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22434/IFAMR2019.0176

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/108868