Rethinking food logistics outsourcing: exploring the impact of structural changes in the European supply chain environment

European food supply chains have seen structural changes regarding cost,
energy, labour, and sustainability regulations. This has forced food
processors to reassess the drivers of logistics outsourcing and rethink
their strategies. In this exploratory multiple-case study, we investigated
six large food processors that have extensive production and logistics
facilities across Europe and conducted semi-structured interviews with
their C-suite and high-level supply chain executives. Guided by the
decision-making framework for food logistics outsourcing by Hsiao, Van
der Vorst, et al. (2010), we analysed the interview data for key drivers
behind the logistics outsourcing decisions. While confirming the
relevance of traditional drivers examined in literature (e.g. control over
operations and food quality, closeness to core business), we identified
emerging drivers and propose an extended decision-making framework.
Future empirical investigations are needed to test the theoretical
perspectives of those new drivers. Managerial insights are provided for
both food processors and logistics service providers.