Food Supply Chain Integration: Learning from the Supply Chain Superpower

Abstract

Supply chain integration is postulated as the key to achieve supply chain management excellence. There is an equivocal claim that Japanese companies are better at managing their supply chains. Yet, little is known about the Japanese food supply chain. Ten interviews with supply chain managers were conducted using an open ended interview approach. These companies were randomly selected based on Japan External Trade Organizations (JETRO) listing. Using a qualitative approach, the findings indicate that a short and simple structure is a platform of the food supply chain. Furthermore, the companies extremely interface with suppliers of raw materials (backward integration) and seriously concern about coordinating and integrating cross functional processes within the companies (internal integration). In addition, these companies portray to have a moderate level of integration with their customers (forward integration). Finally, the Japanese management styles appear to be a pivotal supporting element in managing the integrated food supply chain.