Global Food Industry Supply Chains in Times of Crisis Through a Sustainable Supply Chain Lens - The reaction of the food industry in Western Europe

Abstract: The impact of the current global pandemic is felt worldwide, across all industries. However, research has shown that the food industry has been particularly affected, exposing supply chain vulnerability, and therefore the need for resilience and proper management in future. The study aims to understand how supply chains in the food industry in Western Europe are managed and how they react to overcome challenges that relate to the existing crisis. Furthermore, it intends to use the current circumstances as a learning opportunity for sustainable supply chain development in the future. To analyse present conditions, interviews with professionals in food supply chains were conducted. These allowed the researchers to uncover the implemented practices and the difficulties faced and understand their relation to Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) and Supply Chain Resilience (SCRES), including how these professionals foresee the future of the food industry in the short- and long-term. The different organisations were divided in two groups: short and long supply chains, to understand the differences and commonalities among these. The analysis of the responses highlighted that the main focus of these organisations was the financial wellbeing of all stakeholders. This shared aim, ensured by collaboration, shorter supply chains, and digitalisation, enabled quick performance adaptation to new regulations and implementation of shared initiatives for collective survival. The researchers conclude that companies should implement sustainable supply chain practices holistically by considering environmental, social, and economic aspects, to address the future climate dilemma, with a special focus on resilience within the economic pillar of SSCM. To avoid the reiteration of a global supply chain collapse, the findings point to the need for better control of the supply chain network, more advanced planning for digital transformation, and building close relationships among all stakeholders, founded on trust and reciprocal collaboration. Further research to be considered is the need to uncover the rationale behind decision-making and to understand the suppliers’ perspective.