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Traders as sustainability governance actors in global food supply chains: A research agenda

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  • Janina Grabs
  • Sophia Louise Carodenuto

Abstract

Corporate actors are rapidly gaining ground as nontraditional forms of authority that shape sustainability governance efforts in global food supply chains. This paper highlights the critical, but underresearched role of traders—companies whose core business lies in the movement and exchange of agricultural commodities between producers and manufacturers—in linking corporate sustainability ambitions to on‐the‐ground impacts. Drawing on a systematic analysis of the major transnational corporations trading cocoa, coffee, and palm oil, we present advantages and potential pitfalls of relying on traders as implementers of sustainability governance and outline a future research agenda that focuses on producer‐level impacts, changes in supply chain organization and power dynamics, and traders' interactions with state and other nonstate actors. At the intersection of supply chain management, political economy, geography, and global governance, research on traders as key sustainability governance actors also provides novel opportunities for interdisciplinary work and stakeholder engagement.

Suggested Citation

  • Janina Grabs & Sophia Louise Carodenuto, 2021. "Traders as sustainability governance actors in global food supply chains: A research agenda," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(2), pages 1314-1332, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:bstrat:v:30:y:2021:i:2:p:1314-1332
    DOI: 10.1002/bse.2686
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    2. Rabiatul Adwiyah & Yusman Syaukat & Dikky Indrawan & Heti Mulyati, 2023. "Examining Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) Performance in the Palm Oil Industry with the Triple Bottom Line Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-20, September.
    3. Anne Mook & Christine Overdevest, 2021. "What drives market construction for fair trade, organic, and GlobalGAP certification in the global citrus value chain? Evidence at the importer level in the Netherlands and the United States," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(7), pages 2996-3008, November.
    4. Oberlack, Christoph & Blare, Trent & Zambrino, Luca & Bruelisauer, Samuel & Solar, Jimena & Villar, Gesabel & Thomas, Evert & Ramírez, Marleni, 2023. "With and beyond sustainability certification: Exploring inclusive business and solidarity economy strategies in Peru and Switzerland," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 165(C).
    5. Dmitry A. Ruban & Natalia N. Yashalova, 2022. "Corporate Web Positioning as a Strategic Communication Tool in Agriculture," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-16, July.
    6. Theodora MV Nainggolan & Ulina Catarina Jenni Simatupang & Mei Linda Sipayung & Tiurmaida Nainggolan, 2024. "Economic Analysis And Marketing Strategy In Agricultural Supply Chain: A Case Study On W2k Organic Fertilizer," International Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Research, Malwa International Journals Publication, vol. 10(1), February.
    7. William Ballesteros-Possú & Juan Carlos Valencia & Jorge Fernando Navia-Estrada, 2022. "Assessment of a Cocoa-Based Agroforestry System in the Southwest of Colombia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-17, August.
    8. Jakob Keller & Martin Jung & Rainer Lasch, 2022. "Sustainability Governance: Insights from a Cocoa Supply Chain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-23, August.
    9. Mockshell, Jonathan & Nielsen Ritter, Thea, 2024. "Applying the six-dimensional food security framework to examine a fresh fruit and vegetable program implemented by self-help groups during the COVID-19 lockdown in India," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 175(C).
    10. Mairon G. Bastos Lima & Almut Schilling‐Vacaflor, 2024. "Supply chain divergence challenges a ‘Brussels effect’ from Europe's human rights and environmental due diligence laws," Global Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 15(2), pages 260-275, May.

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