Collaborative Production Chains: A Case-Study of Two Agri-Food Companies in Brazil

A collaborative production chain is often understood as having a known degree of relationship among members of the chain to share risks and benefits that result in higher commercial performance than individual organizations. The current study aimed to analyze two production chains of cashew and honey in Northeastern of Brazil which work collaboratively. Characteristics of the chains were learned from interviews with technical personnel from agricultural extension office and farmers. Results indicate that despite the best harvest cashew farmers might have when the crops are pollinated by bees both partners are not fully satisfied with the collaboration. A partner might benefit from management items that help to assess collaboration performance more effectively such as joint efforts, sharing activities, collaboration value, adaptation, trust, commitment, continuous improvement, coordination, and stability. Supply chain collaboration improves the performance advantage and has a significant influence on firm performance; however, such an initiative needs to be understood as a win-win association by the partners to achieve the expected success.