Table 1 Characterization of the cases
From: Box-scheme as alternative food network—the economic integration between consumers and producers
Case 1 | Case 2 | Case 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
Foundation | 1981 | 1995 | 2016 |
Number of employees | 41 (including production) | 3 | 8 |
Number of customers | 1261 | 406 | 115 |
Average weekly deliveries | 300 | 70 | 35 |
Historical characteristics | Its founder is an agronomist who has fought for organic production and better conditions of rural life. The company website offers details about its development. | The initiative was created due to an opportunity identified by its founder. He used to work in a large department store chain and realized an important price gap between organic and conventional products in the main grocery chain. | Family owned business that has recently started. Yet, its background shows a strong interest for the environmental and food causes. Two partners are environmental engineers, and the third one studied gastronomy. |
Central characteristics | Orders should be made by Sunday night to be delivered Wednesday/Thursday. Payments made in advance. Standard baskets were incentivized but full customization is accepted. Only organics produced in different farms, including self-production. | Orders should be made by Sunday night or Tuesday night to be delivered on Wednesday or Friday, respectively. Payments made in advance. Two sizes of basket were offered with a long list of optional items, many of which industrialized. Customers could replace some items. Only organics bought from a central partner and complemented by spot suppliers. | Deadline to place orders is Sunday night to be delivered on Wednesday and Thursday. Payments made in advance. Two sizes of baskets offered with few customization possibilities. |
Results characteristics | Health, socio-environmental sustainability, rural development | Health, pesticides free lower prices | Health, socio-environmental sustainability, rural development Fair prices |
Interviews | Owner Administrator 4 customer service assistants 11 customers | Owner 13 customers | 3 partners 7 customers |