Quantifying food loss in the first mile of the supply chain for perishable broccoli and cauliflower: The case of Colombia

Paz H.; Zambrano-Campo M.; Hinestroza-Torres M.; Luna A.; Briceño-Egúsquiza M.; Chong M. · Issues in Information Systems (2026) · DOI: 10.48009/4_iis_2026_136

Resumen

Food losses early in the supply chain threaten sustainability, food security, and rural profitability. This study quantifies the physical and economic impacts of first-mile losses in highly perishable crops and identifies their most vulnerable production stages. Integrating direct quantification, quality-attribute assessments, and the price-based P-method, this approach compares multidimensional losses across different phases. The findings reveal average monthly physical losses of 568 kg of broccoli and 356 kg of cauliflower, totaling approximately 9.5 million Colombian pesos (COP). Quality assessments indicate an additional 927 kg and 537 kg of losses, respectively, while the P-method confirms an economic impact equivalent to 534 kg for broccoli. Losses are non-homogeneously distributed, concentrating primarily in the germination, harvesting, and post-harvest management stages. Ultimately, this study highlights the magnitude of first-mile waste and underscores the need for targeted control strategies in critical phases to optimize production efficiency, mitigate financial impacts, and enhance agricultural sustainability

Instituciones: Universidad del Pacífico