Buyer Focus, Shared Resources and Uncertainty in a Food Processing Supply Chain

It is often suggested that food supply chains are typical for what can be achieved in supply chain management. This paper challenges this believe by investigating the possibilities and limitations for supply chain integration for food processing companies. We argue that a combination of typical food characteristics and the use of shared resources limit the possibility for integration, while uncertainties and complex business conditions increase the need for integration. The paper explores to what extend integration is possible and how the food processing companies can integrate their activities with their buyers. The theoretical considerations are explored in a case study involving a large complex food processing plant. A number of suggestions are made to improve supply chain integration with the main buyers of the food processing plant.