Models of horizontal collaboration in agrifood export supply chain: The case of Queensland's mango industry

The horticulture sector in Queensland, Australia, is highly diverse, producing tropical fruits, citrus, vegetables and nuts. However, domestic demand for many horticulture products is saturated in peak seasons, leading to a low farmgate price. Therefore, the export of high-value horticulture products to Asia may offer producers market diversification, which could contribute to the future growth of horticulture industries in Queensland. Yet, in situations where there are large numbers of small- and medium-scale producers, it is unclear how this could be achieved since supply consolidation is needed for product export. Hence, this study aims to assess which entities and links within the export supply chain are considered as important by stakeholders of Queensland’s mango industry and to identify forms of potential horizontal collaborations between mango producers. This study uses a qualitative research approach consisting of a stakeholder workshop which was designed based on a literature review and face-to-face scoping interviews with mango industry stakeholders. The study found that while there are already discrete collaborations existing among mango farmers in some regions of Queensland, cross-regional horizontal collaboration supported by producers, grading and packaging shed owners and wholesalers can improve the export supply chain. Factors identified as affecting the potential success of horizontal collaboration in export include product quality, access to market information, risk-sharing among supply chain actors, leadership, and management skills. However, improved vertical coordination or supply chain integration may also be required to increase the effectiveness of horizontal collaborations.