New Publication: Rethinking regionality: how spatial definitions shape efficiency in perishable food supply chains [08.06.26]
Bublik, N., Wieck, C. & Hess, S. (2026).
International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, doi: https://doi.org/10.22434/ifamr.1488
Abstract:
Public discourse and policymakers increasingly promote regional food supply chains as sustainable and resilient alternatives to global networks. Yet the meaning of regionality remains opaque: political boundaries, radial measures and time-based definitions are used in parallel within food value chains. This study investigates how alternative definitions of regionality affect logistics efficiency in perishable agri-food supply chains, using a model-based scenario analysis with two case studies of fresh-cut fruit and vegetable distribution in Germany. Employing spatial analysis, vehicle routing models and Monte Carlo simulations, we compare the effect of alternative definitions of regionality on fleet size, delivery times, and customer coverage. Findings reveal that distance-based definitions of regionality improve efficiency, while political borders often impose arbitrary constraints, particularly for firms located at the periphery of administrative units. This suggests that regionality concepts should be developed further towards more transparent and flexible definitions that reconcile consumer trust with logistical realities and producer viability.
