Chung-Ang University study stresses need to mitigate food cold chain challenges in China

29 Aug 2022 --- Researchers are offering a set of “critical success factors” for mitigating the recent challenges faced by the food cold chains in China. The rapid urbanization in developing economies has posed challenges to the agricultural food cold chain (AFCC), which plays a key role in minimizing food wastage.

A group of scientists from Chung-Ang University has laid the theoretical groundwork for developing sustainable solutions for AFCC in China. These may improve economic, environmental, and social policies that contribute to this green transformation.

“Our study suggests that it is necessary to establish a clear relationship between stakeholders within companies pursuing AFCC business. This can ensure continuous improvement of sustainable practices of AFCC and aid in a smoother green transition,” remarks professor Keun-sik Park, who led the study.

Minimizing wastage from farm to table transit
The AFCC plays an important role in the food supply industry. It ensures safe and efficient food distribution with minimal wastage, from the farm to table. This is achieved by storing food at optimum temperature and humidity conditions to maintain its quality.

In recent times, with the rise in consumer demand in emerging nations, the industry is facing challenges on multiple fronts, ranging from environmental and economic costs to social disparities.

Although various studies on solutions for developed countries exist, there are relatively few reports for developing economies that cover all facets of the issues.

In order to bridge this gap, the group of researchers from China and South Korea conducted a “systems” analysis to comprehend the processes that contribute to the AFCCs’ sustainable practices.

The team identified and evaluated the critical success factors (CSFs) that drive these practices in China.

“The urbanization process of China is accelerating the demand for cold chains, which in turn is exacerbating the environmental, cost, and social problems. As a result, we must develop systematic practices that reinforce effective green initiatives,” notes professor Park.

The study was recently published in Business Strategy and the Environment, and cited the current problems of China’s cold chains.

Stakeholder pressure is critical
The researchers executed this study by reviewing and analyzing diverse aspects of sustainability. 

The team first performed an extensive literature search, collected data and conducted interviews, followed by expert evaluation and decision analysis for 58 institutions located in Beijing, China.

They then used the Adversarial Interpretation Structure Model (AISM) and identified 15 CSFs that contribute to AFCC sustainability.

Next, they determined the hierarchical interrelationship between the different CSFs and the driving forces that operate. According to the analysis, the crucial drivers consist of managing stakeholder pressure, enforcing more concrete sustainable policies, ensuring top management commitment and raising sustainable investment. 

Consistent with previous studies, tackling stakeholder pressure emerged as the most significant factor.

“It is already known that management of stakeholder pressure and the managerial support from top companies can increasing the impact of sustainability in their supply chains,” note the researchers.

“Indeed, it is necessary for organizations to efficiently handle pressure from stakeholders comprising the government, investors and consumers, which demands committed and methodical leadership.”

The findings also emphasize that the government should fund businesses at the stakeholder level to ensure timely and adequate money for implementing sustainable AFCC. 

FoodIngredientsFirst previously spoke to leading suppliers showcasing smart systems for securing transparent food chains. Advances in AI, blockchain, machine learning, robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT) are anticipated to raise the bar for digital traceability solutions such as smart labeling and digital tracing at speed.

Edited by Benjamin Ferrer