Proceedings of ICLT 2025
THE EVALUATION FOR SMEs OF COLD CHAIN AGRICULTURAL FOOD INDUSTRY 4.0 PERFORMANCE IN Thailand
Sarinya Manowanna; Polin Lai; Poti Chaopaisarn
Department of International Trade and Logistics, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea; Department of International Trade and Logistics, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea; Supply Chain and Engineering Management Research Unit, Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
International Conference on Logistics & Transport 2025, Tokyo, Japan, pp. 221-229
Abstract
Thailand ranks as the eighth-largest exporter of agricultural foods globally, with exports valued at approximately USD 28.8 billion, yet small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in this sector face significant challenges in maintaining cold chain efficiency and reducing food loss and waste. Purpose: This study investigates the structural relationships between digital transformation adaptation, smart management systems, Supply Chain 4.0 capabilities, and food loss and waste minimization amongst Thai agricultural food SMEs. Design/methodology/approach: The Structural Equation Model (SEM) to test six hypotheses, utilizing confirmatory factor analysis to ensure construct validity and reliability. Findings: The findings provide actionable insights for SME managers and policymakers, emphasizing the critical role of digital technologies in enhancing cold chain logistics performance that using survey data from 452 SMEs in Thailand's agricultural food industry. Research limitations/implications (if applicable): The study focuses on SME of Agriculture food industry in Thailand limiting generalizability to other emerging economies or developed markets that strengthen the understanding of how relationships evolve over time. Practical implications (if applicable): The implications extend beyond individual firm performance to broader societal benefits, including social reduced food waste, improved food security, and enhanced sustainability. As such, continued research and support for Cold Chain Logistics 4.0 implementation in emerging economies represents both an economic opportunity and a social imperative. Originality/value: This study provides empirical evidence for the critical role of digital transformation and smart management systems in enhancing Cold Chain Logistics 4.0 performance among Thai agricultural food SMEs. The findings demonstrate that investments in digital technologies and management system innovations significantly enhance Supply Chain 4.0 capabilities and organizational capabilities, which in turn contribute to substantial reductions in food loss and waste.
Keywords
Cold Chain Logistics; Industry 4.0; Digital Transformation; Smart Management; Supply Chain
Citation
Sarinya Manowanna; Polin Lai; Poti Chaopaisarn (2025). THE EVALUATION FOR SMEs OF COLD CHAIN AGRICULTURAL FOOD INDUSTRY 4.0 PERFORMANCE IN Thailand. Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics & Transport (ICLT 2025), Tokyo, Japan, pp. 221-229.