Distribution chain diagrams for fresh fruit supply chains: A baseline for emission assessment

Abstract

Background: Globalisation has undoubtedly revolutionised the way modern society functions by connecting different people, economies, cultures and technology. This integration depends on the adequate movement of goods by increasingly more complex and longer global supply chains (SCs). The structure of the distribution chain and the individual activities that jointly facilitate the transportation of commodities such as fresh fruit have not been well defined, making it difficult and ambiguous to determine greenhouse gas emissions. Mapping the various distribution scenarios of fruit and stating the emission-generating activities not only enable the analysis and management of these activities but also provide a basis for calculating emissions.

Objectives: The key objective is to describe all the physical emission-generating distribution activities that take place during the international export of fresh fruit from South Africa. These activities were used to create distribution chain diagrams that define the structure of fresh fruit distribution.

Method: To identify activities, a literature review, direct observation of distribution activities at logistical facilities and unstructured interviews with operational managers at these facilities were performed. Scenario planning was used to combine generic activities into realistic distribution chain diagrams. The activities and diagrams were validated by semistructured interviews with four industry experts.

Results: Following the identification of emission-generating activities, five generic distribution chain diagrams were created that should represent all possible distribution scenarios for fresh fruit.

Conclusion: The generic distribution scenarios not only capture the various methods by which fresh fruit is exported from South Africa but also form the basis of seven important emission-related managerial practices.