Follow the thing: Papaya
Case study review
Follow the thing: Papaya
Follow the thing: Papaya (Cook, 2004) aims to be accessible to both academics and non-academics, and to not just appeal to those already especially well informed about the issues and ideas brought up with it. The method of following several different people in different roles throughout the supply chain makes it easier to follow for non-academics without lowering the quality of information provided. This is important as it allows the general public a better understanding of where food comes from and some of the affects their decisions at a supermarket have on the world.
The paper looks at the supply chain of the papaya on multiple levels, from a farm in Jamaica to UK supermarkets, as well as a wide breadth of issues present within the current globalised market that affects most products on said market. From the dangers of the papaya farm, to the complexity of setting a price for a British supermarket and how to market a new exotic fruit to the masses, Ian Cook (2004) brings up many important points about the current global system.
One of the very interesting issues brought up was the many, many factors behind high food costs; specifically the needlessly high food standards set by supermarkets and consumers. One of the ways Follow the thing: Papaya (Cook, 2004) looks at the supply chain is from the perspective of Mina, a speciality fruit and veg buyer. She speaks about how she does not think she would ever buy papaya from one of the supermarkets she buys for because she can get a better deal from an Ethnic shop. Part of the reason for the supermarkets ' high prices is because “Everything’s got to look perfect” (Cook, 2004); fruit and veg in non-standard shapes and with blemishes are not sold in big chain shops. This idea is supported by previous data, showing a real problem with how fresh produce is managed.
All fruit and vegetables, not just papaya, have to meet high cosmetic appearance standards set by supermarkets,
Follow the thing: Papaya
Follow the thing: Papaya (Cook, 2004) aims to be accessible to both academics and non-academics, and to not just appeal to those already especially well informed about the issues and ideas brought up with it. The method of following several different people in different roles throughout the supply chain makes it easier to follow for non-academics without lowering the quality of information provided. This is important as it allows the general public a better understanding of where food comes from and some of the affects their decisions at a supermarket have on the world.
The paper looks at the supply chain of the papaya on multiple levels, from a farm in Jamaica to UK supermarkets, as well as a wide breadth of issues present within the current globalised market that affects most products on said market. From the dangers of the papaya farm, to the complexity of setting a price for a British supermarket and how to market a new exotic fruit to the masses, Ian Cook (2004) brings up many important points about the current global system.
One of the very interesting issues brought up was the many, many factors behind high food costs; specifically the needlessly high food standards set by supermarkets and consumers. One of the ways Follow the thing: Papaya (Cook, 2004) looks at the supply chain is from the perspective of Mina, a speciality fruit and veg buyer. She speaks about how she does not think she would ever buy papaya from one of the supermarkets she buys for because she can get a better deal from an Ethnic shop. Part of the reason for the supermarkets ' high prices is because “Everything’s got to look perfect” (Cook, 2004); fruit and veg in non-standard shapes and with blemishes are not sold in big chain shops. This idea is supported by previous data, showing a real problem with how fresh produce is managed.
All fruit and vegetables, not just papaya, have to meet high cosmetic appearance standards set by supermarkets,
Bibliography: Cook, I., 2004. Follow the thing: Papaya. Antipode, 36(2), pp. 642-664. Gustavsson, J. et al., 2011. Global food losses and food waste-Extent, causes and prevention. [Online] Available at: http://www.fao.org/docrep/014/mb060e/mb060e.pdf Minter, E., 2003. Pros & Cons of interviewing. Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin. Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), 2012. Hydrological Summary for the United Kingdom. N/A: Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). Vidal, J., 2012. The Guardian. [Online] Available at: http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/sep/27/ugly-fruit-vegetables-supermarkets-harvest