Cuban food distribution chain : disruptions and resilience

Abstract

In the current context, due to the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, it interrupted global supply chains by causing unprecedented shocks to supply and demand; food supply chains have been seriously affected. Food supply chains in Cuba are affected by several disruptions. Specifically, the food distribution chain of the basic food basket, which is the object of study of this paper. The objective of this research is to analyse the causes of disruptions in the supply chain. Among these disruptions, the most relevant is the uncertainty in the time of arrival of supplies for lead-time distribution and transportation disruptions. The analysis of transportation disruptions is the focus of this research. In addition, supply chains do not have a methodological procedure to manage the chain in the face of the impact of these disruptions and make it more resilient. We start with a literature review for the analysis of the concepts of disruption and resilience in the supply chain. We use the action research approach in a single case study to understand the disruptions in the food distribution chain in the basic food basket in Cuba. Then, processes are identified, KPIs are calculated and work procedures are implemented based on the analysis of previous methodologies. A procedure that analyses identifies and manages the disruptions of the distribution chain and allows the increase of resilience is the main contribution of this study. With this document, it is possible to identify disruptions in the food distribution chain and establish how to manage them to increase resilience. However, the generalization of these procedures and techniques to other companies in the country and their application requires the development of ICTs to facilitate decision-making.