Assessment of innovation and performance in the fruit chain

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to bridge the concepts of innovation and performance and to develop a framework to assess innovation and performance in food chains.Design/methodology/approachBased on an extensive literature search the paper identifies critical success factors (CSFs) and related indicators for innovation in food chains, on the one hand, and performance in food chains, on the other. Main CSF categories for innovation are: product, process, market and organization. Main CSF categories for performance are: efficiency, responsiveness, quality and flexibility. A chain process model is developed that enables one to identify main chain processes that impact on innovation and performance. A trade‐off matrix is constructed in which effects of innovations on performance and vice versa in typical chain processes can be identified.FindingsThis article reviewed available supply‐chain innovation and performance indicators and models and methods used to assess performance and innovation within fruit supply chains. Based on the existing literature a conceptual framework for assessing innovation and performance of companies in the European fruit supply chain has been developed. The framework consists of a supply chain process model and an innovation‐performance matrix which have been successfully applied to several cases along the apple chain in The Netherlands.Practical implicationsThe chain process model and matrix are applied in an integrated way to the Dutch fruit chain. An apple grower case and a fruit cooperative case are worked out. Managers in food chains can use the framework to assess their company's innovations and performances.Originality/valueThe paper aims to bridge the concepts of innovation and performance. Literature and research on this subject are minimal.

Examining sustainability performance in the supply chain: The case of the Greek dairy sector

“…Responsiveness (together with cost) has been observed to be a dominant SCP indicator (Persson & Olhager 2002), highly relevant in the food SC sector as evidenced in the associated literature (Molnar & Gellynk 2009;Trienekens, et al 2008;Aramyan, et al 2007). …”

“…Product quality is also an important and widely used criterion for measuring SCP (Molnar & Gellynk 2009;Trienekens, et al 2008;Aramyan, et al 2007) and it becomes more important in food SCs.…”

Marketing Innovation: Study of Determinants of Innovation in the Design and Packaging of Goods and Services—Application to Portuguese Firms

“…Aiming to analyze the process of marketing innovation in business and considering the literature review made, this study highlights factors related to technology, R&D activities, and marketing activities. The factors to be studied in this investigation originate from those defined by the 4th Community Innovation Survey (CIS 4, 2005), also used in other studies (Frenz & Ietto-Gillies, 2009;Guijarro & Garcia, 2009;Harris & Li, 2009;Hoffman, Parejo and Bessant, 1998;Kim & Mauborgne, 1997;Maciariello, 2009;Masso & Vahter, 2008;Millot, 2009;Romijn & Albaladejo, 2002;Silva & Leitão, 2009;Trienekens, Uffelen and Omta, 2008;Waarts, 2005;Youtie, 2006).…”

Blueberry Supply Chain in Italy: Management, Innovation and Sustainability

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