A systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis of the supply chain management research within the global food industry

Abstract The global food industry plays a pivotal role in providing sustenance, economic contributions, and employment opportunities. Recent technology and supply chain management (SCM) innovations have been integrated, increasing complexity and efficiency. However, this complexity has also revealed vulnerabilities, particularly during global crises and geopolitical conflicts, highlighting the urgent need for robust SCM practices. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis using Web of Science Core Collection data. The analysis uses the VOSviewer and RStudio software to provide visual representations and numerical insights into publication trends, author collaborations, and keyword distributions. Findings indicate a steady rise in scholarly publications in SCM within the food industry, reflecting growing research interest. The study identifies critical structural features of the literature, including authorship patterns, publication sources, and international collaboration trends. Notably, it pioneers integrating SCM into the food industry using the VOSviewer and R-bibliometric software, offering a novel perspective. It emphasizes the importance of further academic inquiry into specific SCM topics, such as food safety and supplier selection, as well as interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure the sustainability and security of food supply chains in the face of future challenges.