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Quality Incentives and Dependence in Vegetable Supply Chains to Ho Chi Minh City

Fearne, Andrew, Cadilhon, Jean-Joseph, Tam, Phan Thi Giac, Moustier, Paule, Poole, Nigel (2006) Quality Incentives and Dependence in Vegetable Supply Chains to Ho Chi Minh City. Acta Horticulturae, (699). pp. 111-117. ISSN 90 6605 454 9. (doi:10.17660/actahortic.2006.699.11) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:11836)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://www.actahort.org/books/699/699_11.htm

Abstract

A growing number of studies in the transition economics have pinpointed the asymmetrical power existing in business-to-business (B2B) relationships between small suppliers and traders. The dependence of suppliers on their customers for inputs, access to credit and sales has been documented in both traditional and modern supply chains. In the Vietnamese vegetable market, which is characterised by extremely volatile prices, the abusive use of power by traders over uninformed smallholders is most likely. This paper highlights the contrasting case of a tomato supply chain co-ordinated by a trader supplying a modern distribution outlet. A case study approach with in-depth interviews of supply chain stakeholders (farmers, collectors, wholesalers, supermarket managers) reveals how one trader's response to customer incentives through commitment to quality and investment in selected growers has improved the terms of trade for upstream stakeholders in this tomato supply chain to Ho Chi Minh City. The case study reveals insights into B2B relationships and competitive strategy that may be adapted by other sectors for the benefit of those stakeholders at greatest risk from downstream concentration and the growing presence of modern wholesale and retail businesses in South East Asian countries.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.17660/actahortic.2006.699.11
Uncontrolled keywords: B2B relationships; marketing; supply chain management; Vietnam
Subjects: H Social Sciences
Divisions: Divisions > Kent Business School - Division > Kent Business School (do not use)
Depositing User: Andrew Fearne
Date Deposited: 05 Sep 2008 12:40 UTC
Last Modified: 09 Mar 2023 11:30 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/11836 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Fearne, Andrew.

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