Useful Resources

Publications

Facets of value emerging through the operation of short food supply chains

This work explores the diverse types of value generated in Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs) by applying two conceptual models: a Triple Layered Business Model Canvas and an eight-dimensional blueprint. In Study I, a business model perspective was used to examine economic, functional, and social value drivers among SFSC farmers, revealing that activity effectiveness boosts economic value, while social value depends on SFSCs’ impact on community well-being, and environmental value relates to product distribution. Study II, based on expert feedback, identified economic, social, cultural, and environmental value as key facets. The findings offer a new framework for distinguishing primary value (retained within SFSCs) from secondary value (extending beyond).

Do Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems Have the Dynamic Capabilities to Guide the Digital Transition of Short Food Supply Chains?

This study examines how innovation clusters, as regional policy tools, influence territorial development through enhanced innovation, business performance, and regional economic growth. Focusing on the Menara Cluster, it explores the impact of governance practices—specifically trust-building and leadership—on member firms’ business performance, with product innovation as a mediating factor. Using an exploratory approach with semi-directive interviews, the research highlights how cluster leadership and trust among stakeholders foster innovation within co-located companies.

Perfomance of innovation clusters in the Moroccan context: Case of Menara cluster

Attitudes and preferences of the Moroccan consumer towards fruits

In this paper, we review and discuss the factors that affect consumer preferences and attitudes towards fruit. The objective is to provide a theoretical framework for an empirical study to identify the factors influencing the Moroccan consumer’s purchase decision of the “Midelt” apple produced by farms in the Draa-Tafilalet region. A survey was conducted on a sample of 343 consumers, to study the factors that influence their attitudes towards local apples and their intention to buy the Midelt apple.

Impact of Governance on the Organizational Performance of Professional Associations: A Study of the Poultry Sector in Morocco

Professional associations face challenges like member diversity and communication gaps that hinder their goals, such as lobbying, quality improvement, and market expansion. This study examines governance strategies that drive the success of professional associations, focusing on the poultry sector in two emerging countries. Key success factors identified include integrated production systems, value-added strategies, and partnerships with industry leaders. Additionally, regional organization through single industrial aggregators supports efficient production. The findings provide a governance model for African leaders, particularly in Morocco, to strengthen organizational performance within the African Poultry Confederation.

Perceived quality framework in Mediterranean clusters: analyzing the functioning, the conditions, the strategies and the performances of fruit and vegetables short food supply chain

This article introduces a theoretical model from the MED-LINKS project for analyzing fruit and vegetable supply chains in Mediterranean clusters. The model examines the organizational characteristics, internal dynamics, and performance of clusters that form the Short Food Supply Chain (SFSC) system. It defines production clusters in Mediterranean partner countries geographically and economically, establishing reference indicators for assessing external drivers, strategic choices, and competitiveness. The study identifies four main clusters and evaluates key indicators affecting economic, environmental, regulatory, and behavioral factors, providing insights into strategic decisions and supply chain performance. Expert surveys also highlighted additional variables influencing cluster performance.

Value seeking, health-conscious or sustainability-concerned? Profiling fruit and vegetable consumers in Euro-Mediterranean countries

This study explores consumer preferences and food-related lifestyles in the Euro-Mediterranean fruit and vegetable market, aiming to identify distinct consumer groups. Using a structured online survey with 925 participants in France, Greece, and Italy, the study applied principal component and cluster analyses to interpret lifestyle patterns. Three main consumer segments emerged: health-conscious consumers in France and Greece, and quality-conscious consumers in Italy. These segments were characterized by motivations, quality perceptions, health concerns, environmental certifications, and price sensitivity. The findings offer insights into consumer priorities and preferences across the region.

Agricultural and food business dynamics in the Mediterranean region: Identifying key indicators for sustainable supply chain systems originated by small-scale farming production

This article presents a theoretical framework for analyzing fruit and vegetable supply chains, focusing on conditions, strategies, and performance. Recognizing the vital role of small farmers in sustaining these chains, the study combines expert insights and empirical data from eight supply chains across five Mediterranean countries, examining three types of chains: Short Food Supply Chains, Green Public Procurement, and Export-Oriented Supply Chains. The research identifies key indicators for assessing the dynamics of these chains, providing valuable data for future studies on sustainability and informing policies that support environmentally and socially responsible practices in Mediterranean agriculture.