Investigating perishable food supply chain management challenges in remote Arctic communities: insights from an embedded case study

Purpose Food insecurity in remote Arctic communities is a significant public health issue, driven in part by limited access to affordable, high-quality fruits and vegetables (F&V). This paper examines how northern perishable food supply chain (NPFSC) management challenges affect the affordability, quality and availability of F&V in these communities. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative, embedded single-case study was conducted in a remote city in Nunavut, Canada, triangulating semi-structured interviews, a focus group and field observations. Findings Procurement dependencies, logistical constraints and gaps in quality and information management are key drivers of inefficiencies in NPFSC management. High asset specificity, environmental uncertainty and information asymmetry generate elevated ex-post transaction costs that shape supplier, carrier and retailer behavior, ultimately leading to higher prices, limited availability and compromised quality of fresh produce. Weak contracts, unclear property rights and fragmented information flows diffuse accountability and foster opportunism, while existing subsidy programs fail to address these critical governance and coordination gaps. Building on these insights, the study develops theory-driven propositions emphasizing relational governance, collaborative and technology-enabled logistics, clearly defined property rights through structured contracts, and the integration of enforceable quality standards into subsidy programs to improve food access in remote regions. Originality/value By integrating transaction cost economics with supply chain management and perishable food research, this study deepens understanding of how NPFSC dynamics shape food affordability, availability and quality and offers actionable insights for building more resilient and accountable supply chains in remote regions.