Analyzing Food Loss in the Fresh Longan Supply Chain: Evidence from Field Survey Measurements

Roengchai Tansuchat (), Tanachai Pankasemsuk, Chanita Panmanee, Tanapol Rattanasamakarn and Konnika Palason
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Roengchai Tansuchat: Center of Excellence in Econometrics, Faculty of Economics, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Tanachai Pankasemsuk: Academic Services and Research, Payap University, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand
Chanita Panmanee: Faculty of Economics, Maejo University, Chiang Mai 50290, Thailand
Tanapol Rattanasamakarn: Faculty of Economics, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Konnika Palason: Faculty of Economics, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Agriculture, 2023, vol. 13, issue 10, 1-31

Abstract: Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 12 and Sub-Indicator 12.3.1.a, this study rigorously examines food loss dynamics in the longan value chain—encompassing the stages from production to wholesale. Longan, a key commodity in Thailand’s national food loss index calculation, undergoes a comprehensive evaluation following FAO guidelines. This study aims to quantify quantity loss in fresh longan fruit, which pinpoints critical loss stages for targeted policy recommendations. Additionally, it seeks to establish a robust methodology for data collection and calculation, providing a model for evaluating food losses in tropical fruits. Results disclose varying loss percentages across supply chains: quantitative loss 14.07% and qualitative loss 11.02% for domestic consumption, quantitative loss 13.50% and qualitative loss 14.82% for export-bound fresh longans on-season, and quantitative loss 9.85% and qualitative loss 6.52% for export-bound fresh longans off-season. Critical loss stages are identified—particularly over-ripe longan harvesting due to labor shortages and price volatility. Further factors contributing to food losses encompass insufficient pre-harvest handling practices, which result in subsequent post-harvest losses, deficiencies in SO 2 fumigation and storage processes, as well as transportation-related issues. This study’s contribution lies in its comprehensive guidance, emphasizing field survey measurements and aligning with the FAO guidelines, making it a vital tool for quantifying and addressing food loss, especially in the tropical fruit sector.

Keywords: food loss; longan; field survey measurements; Thailand; SDG 12.3.1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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