An investigation into the dynamics of supply chain practices in dairy industry: A pilot study

In the present competitive era, supply chains within the food processing industry have been subjected to many pressures in the light of globalization, food recalls, technological innovations and decreasing consumer trust. Strategically, rather than competing within low costs market segments, many food producers are following a differentiation strategy that targets niche market segments like organic foods. Though, the food enterprises have reworked on their supply chains but still a lot of work is requisite, especially in case of Dairy industry that has evolved through consistent efforts in India. The prospects proposed by intensive practices call for a comprehensive study about the potential that can be explored for making existing Dairy supply chains more efficient. This study emphases on drafting a supply chain framework where current trends in Dairy sector call for efficient, innovative and competitive supply chains, and also to recognize inefficiency in the Northern region of India. This study is based on the literature assessment of supply chain practices, and pilot studies conducted in select Dairy industry & Cooperative. Findings of study reveals that the Dairy sector need some significant improvements in the area of innovations, traceability, information systems, and process integration so as to achieve their corporate goals.