Pork supply chains in the EU

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
   1. Study load
   2. Learning goals
   3. Teacher page
2. Course content: Pork supply chains in the EU
   1. Case 1: VION
   2. Case 2: Ham of Bayonne
   3. Case 3: EGO
   4. Assignments
3. General supply chain structure
Assignments
4. Specific supply chain structures
   1. Case 1: VION
   2. Case 2 - Ham of Bayonne
   3. Case 3 - EGO
   4. Assignments
5. Introduction to governance structures
   1. Case 1: VION
   2. Case 2: Ham of Bayonne
   3. Case 3: EGO
   4. Assignments
6. Regulations
   1. Case 1: VION
   2. Case 2: Ham of Bayonne
   3. Case 3: EGO
   4. Assignments
7. Information systems
1. Case 1: VION
2. Case 2: Ham of Bayonne
3. Case 3: EGO
4. Assignments
8. Further reading

Specific supply chain structures

In the EU many variations on the general supply chain structure can be found.

1. Commodity chains resemble most the generic picture. These supply chains are characterized by increasing pig farm size, medium-size to large slaughterhouses, various processing companies, and retail as the main customer channel. The VION chain is an example of the commodity chain.
2. Regional chains are smaller supply chains, often with specialized products, a special type of pigs, or distinguishing quality claims. The Eichtenhof chain is an example of a regional supply chain that distinguishes itself with high process and product quality. The Ham of Bayonne chain is an example of a PGI chain (Protected Geographical Indication)
3. Organic chains are supply chains producing organic meat with specific animal welfare, environmental, and health policies. These supply chains are subject to more strict regulation on EU and national level (see also lesson 5). Organic chains currently cover less than 5% of the pork meat sector, but are slowly growing. They may resemble the conventional chain structure, such as the organic chain De Groene Weg in The Netherlands. Most of the organic chains are regional chains. Other examples of organic chains can be found, for example, in Denmark (Friland) and Germany (EcoLand certificate Besh).