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Sustainability of Meat Value Chain: Bibliometric Review of Main Trends and Theoretical Connections

Author

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  • Ana Bárbara Traça

    (CEFAGE—Center for Advanced Studies in Management and Economics, University of Évora, Largo Srª. da Natividade, 7000-810 Évora, Portugal)

  • Susana Campos

    (CISAS—Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial Nuno Álvares 34, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal)

  • Andreia Dionisio

    (CEFAGE—Center for Advanced Studies in Management and Economics, University of Évora, Largo Srª. da Natividade, 7000-810 Évora, Portugal)

  • Meirielly Jesus

    (CISAS—Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial Nuno Álvares 34, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal)

  • Joana Santos

    (CISAS—Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial Nuno Álvares 34, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal)

  • Fernando Mata

    (CISAS—Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial Nuno Álvares 34, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal)

Abstract

The sustainability of the meat value chain is a topic of global importance, with slaughtering close to farms emerging as a significant measure that not only enhances animal welfare, but also integrates economic, environmental, and social aspects into the meat production process. In this study, we conducted a thorough analysis of 99 academic articles focusing on the sustainability of the meat value chain, published between 1985 and 2024. Utilizing VOSviewer software version 1.6.20, we performed both bibliometric and thematic analyses to gain insights into the evolution of research in this field. Our findings reveal a substantial increase in studies on this subject since 2017, with 80% of publications emerging in the last seven years, indicating a growing interest in this area of research. Swedish universities and researchers were identified as key contributors to this body of work, demonstrating a significant commitment to exploring the sustainability of the meat value chain. Furthermore, we observed that studies related to sustainability and the circular economy are predominantly published in journals focused on environmental issues, highlighting the interconnectedness of these concepts. This review aims to provide valuable support to researchers and academics by elucidating the boundaries and potential of research on the sustainability of the meat value chain. By shedding light on current trends and areas of focus, we hope to inspire further exploration and innovation in improving the supply chain in the future.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana Bárbara Traça & Susana Campos & Andreia Dionisio & Meirielly Jesus & Joana Santos & Fernando Mata, 2025. "Sustainability of Meat Value Chain: Bibliometric Review of Main Trends and Theoretical Connections," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-19, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:5:p:1773-:d:1595315
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hamilton, Andrew J. & Boland, Anne-Maree & Stevens, Daryl & Kelly, Jim & Radcliffe, John & Ziehrl, Angelika & Dillon, Peter & Paulin, Bob, 2005. "Position of the Australian horticultural industry with respect to the use of reclaimed water," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 71(3), pages 181-209, February.
    2. Tiago T.S. Siqueira & Michel Duru, 2016. "Economics and environmental performance issues of a typical Amazonian beef farm: a case study," Post-Print hal-01301283, HAL.
    3. Teodora Stillitano & Emanuele Spada & Nathalie Iofrida & Giacomo Falcone & Anna Irene De Luca, 2021. "Sustainable Agri-Food Processes and Circular Economy Pathways in a Life Cycle Perspective: State of the Art of Applicative Research," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-28, February.
    4. Fredrik Carlsson & Peter Frykblom & Carl Johan Lagerkvist, 2007. "Consumer willingness to pay for farm animal welfare: mobile abattoirs versus transportation to slaughter," European Review of Agricultural Economics, Oxford University Press and the European Agricultural and Applied Economics Publications Foundation, vol. 34(3), pages 321-344, September.
    5. Lefteris Melas & Maria Batsioula & Apostolos Malamakis & Sotiris I. Patsios & Dimitris Geroliolios & Evangelos Alexandropoulos & Stamatia Skoutida & Christos Karkanias & Anna Dedousi & Maria-Zoi Krits, 2023. "Circular Bioeconomy Practices in the Greek Pig Sector: The Environmental Performance of Bakery Meal as Pig Feed Ingredient," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-26, July.
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