Modelling information flow and sharing matrix for fresh food supply chains

Purpose: Despite much research on supply chain (SC) integration and the growing emphasis on recent information technology advancements as an enabler of improved performance, there has been limited research focussed specifically on information integration in supply chains (SCs). The purpose of this paper is to systematically review the literature on information integration in the fresh food supply chain (FFSC) from a holistic perspective. Design/methodology/approach: Literature review is done by systematically collecting and analysing the recent literature to identify various participant entities of the FFSC information network and their specific information needs. Findings: The information needs of FFSC entities are diverse but the needs are common across multiple entities. Research limitations/implications: This study only reviewed the FFSC-related literature; an extended study of the food industry may reveal a more comprehensive view. Practical implications: These findings are useful for practitioners in understanding the participant entities in the information network and their information needs and for policymakers in formulating FFSC development initiatives. Originality/value: The authors are not aware of another study that investigates the FFSC in a holistic approach, one that identifies the actors, their interactions and information needs.