Decision support models for fresh fruits and vegetables supply chain management

In this chapter we present planning tools for the planning and coordination of the supply chain of fresh fruits and vegetables. In particular, we introduce an integrated planning environment that seeks to maximize the profits for a farmer-shipper with the capability of advancing vertically in the supply chain structure to position his production at different levels of the supply chain, including direct shipment to terminal markets. The models presented address different levels of planning scope, from operational, through tactical, to strategic. However, the focus is on tactical and operational planning. Both levels of planning incorporate the perishability of the underlying products into the models. While each fruit and vegetable presents its own peculiarities, we use the case of tomato as a proxy for the rest of the fresh fruits and vegetables.