Facets of value emerging through the operation of short food supply chains

ABSTRACT

Short food supply chains (SFSCs) are market schemes that allow different types of value to emerge. In this work, we aimed to uncover these facets of value. To do so, we built upon two conceptual models: a Triple Layered Business Model Canvas and an eight-dimensional blueprint developed for our purposes. Then, we conducted two studies using these models as theoretical templates. In Study I, we followed a business model canvas perspective, aiming to portray the components that contribute to the generation of economic, functional, and social value produced in SFSCs. By drawing on a sample of farmers who participate in SFSCs, we developed regression models to uncover the antecedents of value. Our analysis revealed that the effectiveness of performed activities catalyses the economic value of SFSCs. In addition, the social value depends on the capacity of SFSCs to enhance local communities’ well-being and provide significant outreach. Finally, environmental value is associated with the distribution of products. In Study II, using data from a pool of experts, we assessed the importance of eight facets of value. Participants appraised economic, social, cultural, and environmental value as more important than the remaining dimensions. Our studies shed light on the dimensions of value created in SFSCs, also confirming the usefulness of business model canvases for understanding value creation processes. However, our work also offers a new framework for conceptualising supply chains’ value, distinguishing value into primary (which is produced and remains within SFSCs) and secondary (which extends beyond supply chain limits).

KEYWORD:

• Short food supply chains
• economic value
• environmental value
• social value
• business model canvas
• alternative food networks

Acknowledgments

This study has been realised in the framework of the project “Data-enabled Business Models and Market Linkages Enhancing Value Creation and Distribution in Mediterranean Fruit and Vegetable Supply Chains – MED-LINKS” (ID 1591). Financial support to the project has been provided by PRIMA, a program supported by the European Union, and co-funding has been provided by the Italian Ministry for University and Research (MUR), the Egyptian Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT), the French National Research Agency (ANR), the Greek General Secretariat for Research and Technology (GSRT) and the Moroccan Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Professional Training (MESRSFC). The authors also wish to thank the reviewers and the editor for their work on the manuscript and their valuable suggestions.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Supplemental data

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/27685241.2023.2236961.

Notes

¹ Given the non-interventional nature of the study, ethical approval was not required.

² Given the non-interventional nature of the study, ethical approval was not required.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the PRIMA [ID 1591].