Barrier analysis and sustainability roadmap for fresh produce MLEs (Medium to Large Enterprises) using DEMATEL: A managerial perspective

Achieving operational sustainability in logistics operations is inevitable for Medium to Large business Enterprises (MLEs), particularly in the case of fresh produce, where efficient supply chain management is crucial to achieving business competitiveness. The managers of these MLEs (under different roles and practices) are the most essential stakeholders in critical decision-making involving multiple dimensions such as transportation optimization, waste reduction, effective routing, capacity utilization, fleet management, and environmental impact mitigation. This study examines the profound implications of these factors on food quality, spoilage rates, and overall operational sustainability for these enterprises, from a technology adoption perspective, as ranked by the managerial staff of MLEs. Statistical analysis of survey results reveals critical insights into the sustainability challenges faced by these enterprises and their desired needs. By highlighting the procedural challenges faced by producers, transporters, retailers, and eventually MLE managers throughout the logistics cycle, this research underscores the necessity for sustainable solutions that aim to empower stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices, thereby minimizing en-route food waste and operational losses. This paper presents a roadmap to enhance operational and environmental efficiency across logistics processes by effectively applying the multi-criteria decision-making technique (DEMATEL) to evaluate the critically dependent barriers involved in the fresh produce supply chain for MLEs. The key findings indicate that inefficient transport practices, high initial investment and limited access to technology are primary barriers to operational sustainability in fresh produce MLEs. Ultimately, based on these key findings, a three-phase roadmap is proposed for these MLEs, helping them to shift towards operational sustainability gradually.