Controlling the sustainability of food supply chains

Purpose - For the food industry, the depletion of arable land and a growing world population demand controlling the sustainability of agricultural inputs to the industry. Controlling the sustainability of these supplies means controlling the economic, social, and environmental performance of the supply chain. In practice, little is known about how companies can efficiently extend their existing supply chain controls to cover these aspects. This paper tries to address this particular gap. Design/methodology/approach - The authors propose a method for integrating controls of social and environmental performance in a supply chain controlling framework. This method is illustrated with case studies on Nestle's food supply chains. Findings - The case studies highlight why quality controls along the whole food supply chain are an import precondition for controlling sustainability. Originality/value - This study is useful for the food industry in the control of sustainability of agricultural inputs to the industry.