Cooperation and competence in global food chains : perspectives on food quality and safety

Supermarket chains, retailers and wholesalers have made food safety and food quality an integral element of their business strategies. What does this mean for producers in the South, who have to comply with international standards for good agricultural practices as well as with strict food safety requirements? This book examines a range of business strategies and modes of governance in real-life business problems in the coffee commodity markets and the fresh food category in the retail industry. It presents lessons learned in projects in Brazil, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines. Above all, it gives proof of principle that robust partnerships, transparent modes of coordination and tailor-made capacity building can lead to better performance and a higher level of commitment and trust among partners in a global food chain. The book is of special interest to policy makers and company managers in the North and the South. Crossing the line between commerce and development has guided many policies for agro-industrial development, but policies also address the limitations to participation in global sourcing and the possible unintended negative consequences for people and the environment. Companies involved in global sourcing are confronted with the task both to bring local production schemes in line with competitive strategies and market demands and to guarantee food safety and food quality. Likewise, sustainability and social responsibility imply new strategic challenges for global food chains. In this context, the book looks for management strategies and business models sensitive to the socio-economic conditions and development questions in Southern countries