Supply Cha!Nge in European Food Chains: Business Forum Report
Kessler Alexandra, 2016
Name of publisher/editor
Wuppertal
Geographic area
Europe
Summary & key words
Over the years the food industry has experienced an intensifcation of the interconnectedness of global food systems, giving rise to changes in production and consumption patterns, particularly in the context of supermarket store brands. In general terms, such food supply chains have brought about certain benefts, including quality and affordable food choices in Europe as well as diverse and innovative products, which at the same time directly impact the overall competitiveness of the market. However, the same development has also raised new challenges such as the need to establish equal relationships between actors in a very heterogeneous value chain, a lack of transparency in the chain which directly affects how prices are established, diminished responsibility for human rights, and other negative economic, social and environmental externalities (European Commission, 2014). Accordingly, there is a need to move towards more sustainable and fair food supply chains, a process which will require a comprehensive and multi-dimensional approach to achieve aligned and long lasting positive outcomes.