Cacao and Coffee Value Chains: An Overview on Similar Strategies to Improve Resilience and Sustainability Through Technology

Riccardo Mazzucchelli (), Carlo Amendola () and Marco Savastano ()
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Riccardo Mazzucchelli: Università di Roma Sapienza Dipartimento di Management
Carlo Amendola: Università di Roma Sapienza Dipartimento di Management
Marco Savastano: Università di Roma Sapienza Dipartimento di Management

A chapter in Leading Change in Disruptive Times, 2026, pp 389-425 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract This paper explores the value chains of cacao and coffee, two high-value crops cultivated in tropical regions that play a crucial role in several agricultural economies. Despite their economic significance, these value chains face numerous challenges, including climate change, phytosanitary issues, and shifting market demands. The current scientific literature highlights the complexity of these value chains and the dominance of a few large corporations, which results in low levels of dynamism, technology, and innovation. This study aims to address these challenges by examining the potential of technological and institutional innovations to enhance sustainability. The research methodology involves analyzing secondary data and reports from relevant international organizations, focusing on the role of blockchain technology, remote sensing, and precision agriculture, inter alia. The research questions focus on the potential of these technologies to enhance transparency, traceability, and the optimization of resources within the cacao and coffee value chains. The preliminary results indicate that blockchain technology could improve transparency and combat fraud, while remote sensing and precision agriculture can optimize resource use and support sustainable farming practices, with positive social, environmental and economic impacts. The implications for the field include the potential for these technologies to drive the adoption of sustainable practices and address the latest challenges faced by these industries, such as climate change and price volatility. This paper considers also the institutional and normative approaches in support of sustainability in coffee and cacao value chains globally, regionally and nationally.

Keywords: cacao; coffee; value chains; blockchains; remote sensing; precision agriculture; agrifood supply configuration; enabling technologies; sustainable business models (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-19276-9_28

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