The Role of Logistics in Food Waste Reduction in Wholesalers and Small Retailers of Fruits and Vegetables: A Multiple Case Study

Patrícia Guarnieri, Raiane C. C. de Aguiar, Karim M. Thomé and Eluiza Alberto de Morais Watanabe
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Patrícia Guarnieri: Faculty of Economy, Business Administration, Accounting and Public Policy Management, Department of Business Administration, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
Raiane C. C. de Aguiar: Faculty of Agribusiness, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
Karim M. Thomé: Faculty of Agribusiness, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
Eluiza Alberto de Morais Watanabe: Faculty of Economy, Business Administration, Accounting and Public Policy Management, Department of Business Administration, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil

Logistics, 2021, vol. 5, issue 4, 1-15

Abstract: Background: There is a lack of studies on the waste of fruits and vegetables covering both distributors and the retail sector. Our study advances from previous ones by proposing the analysis of local retailers of different sizes and wholesalers. Our objective was to analyze the logistical practices to reduce the waste of fruits and vegetables in wholesalers and small retailers in Federal District, Brazil. Methods: A multiple case study was conducted with 19 retailers and eight wholesalers. We administered semi-structured interviews and performed documental analysis and direct observation. Results: The findings demonstrated the leading logistical practices of handling, conservation, management and control, and consumer awareness about food waste. The type of retailer was limited to grocery stores and fruit shops, and the type of food covered only fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, we considered the food waste generated in the logistics processes and not that after consumption. Conclusions: More than a third of the food produced worldwide is lost or wasted. A considerable part of the food waste is associated with the lack of an adequate structure of the logistical processes. The results may contribute to the adoption of practices related to reducing food waste by retailers and wholesalers.

Keywords: food waste; logistics; retail; wholesale; supply chain management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L8 L80 L81 L86 L87 L9 L90 L91 L92 L93 L98 L99 M1 M10 M11 M16 M19 R4 R40 R41 R49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:5:y:2021:i:4:p:77-:d:671743

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