Track: Supply Chain Management

Abstract

The study examines the coffee supply chain (SC) using a case study approach and examines how technology and digitization can provide solutions and improvements regarding efficiency, satisfaction, and profitability. The case study is a Greek company, which and operates in many Greek cities. The coffee supply chain starts from the farms where the cultivation and production of green coffee beans occur in many countries worldwide. Then, the coffee beans are transferred to the plants from the farms. After that, many processes occur until the final products are produced (receipt, storage, quality control, roasting, grinding, packaging). The final products are stored in warehouses ready for shipping to the retail stores. In the last step, consumers are served from the coffee shops through the different sales channels. This study examines the cast study operation in recording, tracing, and tracking coffee through all the stages of the SC from the warehouse to the final consumer, aiming at optimizing key processes. To achieve that, specific supply chain performance indicators are used. Improvements in these operations positively impact companies and this is reflected in improved supply chain indicators, better financial results, and enhanced brand image. Results show that most of the company’s primary stakeholders will also have positive effects (employees, suppliers, partners with stores, final consumers).