ON BENEFICIAL CONNECTIONS AMONG SHORT AGRI-FOOD SUPPLY CHAINS AND CIRCULAR BIOECONOMY

The concepts of short agri-food supply chains and circular bioeconemy are complementary and mutually reinforcing, while they may play an important role in sustainability transitions. The elimination of middlemen and the possibilities of forward vertical integration of farmers are the key components ofshort agri-food supply chains, while bioeconomy refers to the sustainable production and use of biological resources stemming from forestry, agriculture, fisheries, and waste streams. The development of closed-loop systems where waste is converted into new resources, lies in the core of circular bioeconomy, which seeks to reduce waste and maximize resource usage. A sustainable and regenerative economy where waste is viewed as a resource and the use of finite resources is decreased is what this strategy seeks to achieve. When combined, short agri-food supply chains and circular bioeconomy can support sustainable economic growth, social advancement, and environmental protection by encouraging local manufacturing, minimizing waste, and developing innovative bio-based goods and procedures. In this article, we examine the benefits which occur in short agri-food supply when they adopt the principles of circular bioeconomy. Also, we examine how can the ideas of the circular bioeconomy be applied to short agri-food supply chains in order to minimize waste and maximize resource usage. In addition, we explore the corresponding difficulties and opportunities for creating bio-based goods and procedures in short agri-food supply chains. Last but not least, we discuss the effects of short agri-food supply chains and the circular bioeconomy on global agri-food systems and how these concepts are connected with issues at stake, such as food security and sustainability.

The Digital Transformation of the Marketing Mix in the Food and Beverage Service Supply Chain: A Grey DEMATEL Approach

Over the last decade, digital marketing and technology have gradually penetrated the food and beverage industry, redefining its marketing mix. However, the urgency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic spurred the digital transformation of the industry, as businesses were forced to adapt to many changes and restrictions, reshape their operational models, and find ways to survive in an unstable marketplace. The purpose of this paper is to examine the transformation of the marketing mix in the food and beverage service supply chain due to the emergence of digital marketing. To this end, critical success factors for the digital transformation of the food and beverage service supply chain were identified based on the literature. These factors were assessed by experts from the Greek market using a grey decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) approach because of the complexity and interdependence of the factors interfering in the decision-making process. After a screening process, eight experts were selected to participate based on their experience and their acknowledged presence in the sector. DEMATEL is a multi-criterion decision-making method used to assist in addressing practical assessment issues. Its main advantage is that it can detect and observe the interdependence among the primary components and their relevance in the decision-making process. Additionally, it facilitates the visual display of the results, assisting in the analysis of the causal influence of factors. The combination of DEMATEL with grey system theory is useful because it makes it easier to analyze ambiguities brought on by uncertainties, lack of knowledge, or inadequate human actions. Fourteen critical success factors were identified, and they were grouped into three broad categories: technology-driven, consumer-driven, and industry-driven. Seven factors were classified as causes, and seven factors were classified as effects. In addition, with the use of the DEMATEL approach, the factors were grouped into core, driving, independent, and prominent factors.

Using a Modified SERVQUAL Approach to Assess the Quality of Supply Chain Services in Greek Online Supermarkets

Background: The purpose of this paper is to study customer satisfaction concerning orders from online supermarkets, which have recently boomed to fulfil the increased needs of customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The service quality, as well as aspects of the logistics efficiency, are being examined, and the gaps between the expectations of people using these services and their perceptions about the received services are being evaluated. Methods: A modified approach of the well-known model SERVQUAL is suggested and used in the case of Greek online supermarkets. Thus, an initial contribution of this paper is the formulation of a framework which can be used to assess the quality of B2C logistics services. Results: The results show that customers’ expectations are exceeding their experiential perceptions in all the examined fields, and therefore there is room for substantial improvement. The study identified areas in which supermarkets’ online shops are close to meeting customer expectations and areas in which they fall far short. Conclusions: Competition is expected to become more intense and efficient supply chains that provide services of high quality will have a determinant role to play. Moreover, online supermarkets will have to rethink of their omni-channel structures to maintain and increase their market share. This is of particular importance during turbulent times such as the ones we are experiencing now.