Food Value Chains

Researchers at the Waite conduct high quality research that underpins more efficient and profitable food chains by examining the determinants of value and quality to consumers and sectors of the food industry, and identifying economic incentives to improve value and quality throughout the food supply chain.

The dynamic nature of global food markets means that continued, incremental productivity improvements are only one way to increase or sustain economic development. Research and development needs to be market-focussed and deliver what the market demands.

The approach employs unique economic valuation methods to measure consumers' willingness-to-pay for production attributes and nutritionally-enhanced, novel and quality-differentiated food products. The consumer information gained through these methods can be used for cost-benefit analysis, policy decision-making and by food supply chain participants to improve aspects of their supply chains such as coordination, product quality and product value.

Our researchers are currently undertaking a major comparative study of high value food supply chains in China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Vietnam. These projects aim to improve policies that underpin food and agribusiness development in developing countries and the competitiveness and profitability of small producers and rural labour in those countries.