Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of knowledge management capabilities (KMCs) on organizational learning (OL) and supply chain management practices (SCMPs). In addition, to study the effect of OL, KMC and supply chain management on organizational performance (OP). Design/methodology/approach To study the relationships between KMC, OL, SCMP and OP, different techniques such as factor analysis, correlation analysis and structural equation modeling were used to verify the validity of the proposed conceptual model, and to test the suggested hypotheses, data collected from 165 companies in the Saudi food industry (representing a response rate of 64.9 per cent) were used. Findings According to the study’s findings, SCMP and OL are positively affected by KMC. Moreover, OP is directly affected by KMC, OL and SCMP. Research limitations/implications Owing to the specific nature of the sample, the findings of the current research are applicable only to the food industry. Originality/value The current research introduced a conceptual model, which has been tested and verified in the Saudi food industry. The findings recommend that both KMC and OL as well as SCMP will contribute to improving the OP. In addition, KMC will improve the SCMP and OL.