Preservation modes and channel leadership in seafood supply chains: A comparative study of chilled and frozen strategies

The preservation of seafood is a critical challenge in the fresh food supply chain, particularly when navigating the complexities of dual-channel models and leadership dynamics. This paper investigates the impact of preservation methods (chilled vs. frozen) and leadership structures (centralized vs. decentralized) on seafood supply chains. We examine the strategic decisions of suppliers and retailers regarding preservation mode selection and explore the advantages of supplier- or retailer-dominated supply chains. By incorporating insights from extension models, we highlight how hybrid sales channels, combining chilled and frozen modes, can outperform a single mode under specific conditions related to fixed and variable costs. Additionally, we investigate the conditions under which decentralized supply chains can outperform centralized systems, particularly in markets where product freshness and retailer responsiveness are crucial. Through a comparative analysis, we reveal critical thresholds for trade-offs between supply chain models, emphasizing the importance of cost structures, and propose cost-sharing contracts to enhance coordination and incentivize investment in cold chain logistics. This study contributes to the understanding of fresh food supply chains, preservation technologies, hybrid sales modes, and leadership dynamics, offering practical implications for optimizing seafood supply chain operations.