Using a supply chain approach to guide R&D.
Hofman P. J., Ledger S. N.
Author Affiliation: Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Nambour, Queensland, Australia.
: 219-226
Abstract : Consumers today are presented with an increasing array of products. The growing competition for consumer expenditure requires a supply chain approach to maintain market share for existing cultivars and to successfully commercialize new cultivars. The supply chain needs to deliver value and satisfaction to the end customer and profitability to their members. Critical to getting the product right is developing inherent robustness into the cultivar, and developing processes and systems through the whole supply chain that maintain product quality and add value. This paper describes the approach used in working with supply chains in Australia and Indonesia to identify priority areas for improvement. The experience demonstrates the need for a champion in the supply chain with significant influence and a desire to improve. The paper also describes the approach towards improving a specific supply chain to achieve successful commercialization of a new mango cultivar (the 'Calypso' mango). The cultivar was primarily selected for good production characteristics and attractive visual appeal. The performance of the fruit is being monitored from farm to retail shelf to identify points where quality is lost and practices that can be improved. A targeted R&D programme is investigating ways of improving production efficiency (nutrition, flowering and canopy management), maturity standards to optimize flavour, harvesting and packing practices to reduce skin damage, and ripening and handling practices to optimize shelf life. This integrated approach is based on similar approaches used to improve the performance of existing mango and avocado cultivars.