Reducing food loss and waste within cold food supply chains – empirical evidence from developing economies

Purpose Digital technologies offer substantial opportunities for enhancing operational efficiency; however, their precise roles in managing cold chains – especially long-distance logistics – remain unclear. Cold chains are vulnerable to various risks that can jeopardize food safety and diminish the food supply. This study employs resource-based theory to investigate how technologies and capabilities can improve cold chain performance and overall organizational effectiveness. Design/methodology/approach Using the partial least square – structural equation model (PLS-SEM), the research analyzed responses from a survey of 243 multinational and local firms operating in South and Southeast Asia. Findings The findings suggest that, although many organizations utilize technologies for traceability and data analysis, their impact on cold chain performance is limited. Companies often face challenges in effectively integrating these technologies at both operational and tactical levels. Additionally, the study highlights inadequate technology adoption across the supply chain, leading to significant fragmentation in information exchange among partners. This fragmentation not only drives up operational costs but also results in poorly coordinated and disconnected cold chains, resulting in higher food loss and waste. Practical implications This research provides practical guidance for cold chain managers to prioritize the adoption of IoT and data analytics capabilities (DAC) for improved efficiency and risk mitigation. It highlights the need for standardized technologies and enhanced collaboration to meet global compliance and market access goals. Additionally, it offers policymakers actionable insights to improve food security and logistics performance through targeted technology implementation. Originality/value This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on digital cold chains, offering valuable insights for policymakers and scholars. The results can inform national logistics strategies and encourage practitioners to enhance technology adoption by focusing on developing capabilities beyond simple investments. Such advancements could improve food security and study.