Thesis subject

Local food quality labels in the Netherlands

Supply chains in the Netherlands are increasingly approaching the issue of product quality from the specific perspectives of their end customers. As a result, some supply chains have their own quality labels and certification schemes, instead of, or besides to, the well-known quality labels and certification schemes.

Though, such proprietary or local quality labels are growing in significance, there are hardly any scientific publications about them. For instance, hardly any publication can be found about these two quality labels in Science Direct, one of the leading (or the leading) databases for scientific publications.

Background

Food quality labelling is aimed at informing potential consumers about the quality attributes of food products. There are currently various quality labels used throughout the Netherlands such as organic or beter level (better life). These quality labels are well-known, well-researched and well-understood. However, there are increasingly proprietary quality labels (hallmarks). Very good examples of own quality labels are Keten Duurzaamvarkenvlees (https://sustainable-pork.com/) and Het Wroetvarken (https://www.wroetvarken.nl/) in the pork chain sector.


    Objectives

    • The first aim of this research is to examine the extent, significance and content of these local or proprietary quality labels and to compare them to the widely used quality labels using a systematic Multivocal Literature Review (MLR).
    • The second aim is to analyse the certification schemes in order to understand what the driving forces are for adopting the local and proprietary quality labels and to understand how the schemes are enforced.

      Literature


      Requirements

        Theme(s): Local food quality labels in the Netherlands, Food Quality Management, Supply Chain, Transparency and traceability

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