Conceptualising and evaluating hegemonic agri-food supply chain sustainability practices: a UK dairy industry perspective

Food supply chains exist in a volatile world, and are facing an increasing global pressure to behave in a responsible and sustainable manner, whilst providing adequate nourishment for a growing population: the dairy industry in the United Kingdom is no exception to this responsibility. An imbalance of power amongst stakeholders in the dairy supply chain appears to facilitate sustainable behaviours for some, at the expense of other actors’ livelihoods. From the perspectives of the multiple stakeholders that are impacted by the activities of the dairy supply chain, this research aims to identify the different ways sustainability is defined within the industry, and what evaluative factors affects the perception of sustainability. Power is focused on to investigate the mechanisms that underpin powerful players’ abilities to influence and legitimise certain sustainable practices. A multi-method, qualitative, inductive approach is assumed by this research, drawing on the previously utilised frameworks of stakeholder theory and resource dependence theory, as well as the novel introduction of a cultural hegemony lens in the sustainable supply chain field. The latter concept influenced the use of critical discourse analysis as a method, which represents a further novelty of this research. Contemporary grey literature on sustainability in the UK dairy industry was analysed from multiple stakeholder perspectives to identify sustainable storylines in the texts and understand how power is transmitted through discourse. Both a dominant storyline, with foundations in an economic growth paradigm, and an alternative storyline, with focus on an equitable sustainable future, emerged. Through recognising a duality of stakeholder identity, a self-perpetuating cycle of legitimacy was observed. 26 semi-structured interviews then took place with different stakeholders of the UK dairy industry, from which 12 distinct factors are associated with the evaluation of sustainable practices in the UK dairy industry. The need to move away from perceiving sustainability as a static checkbox requirement is stressed, with a multifaceted and dynamic approach towards measuring sustainable performance being suggested. The importance of the relationship between consumer and retailer is highlighted, as well as a mechanism that links together components that can influence sustainable practices, referred to as the loop of power. By blending both the findings and theoretical lenses in this research, the concept of hegemonic resource value is proposed. Finally, the tension between the paradigms of the dominant and alternative approach are contrasted, illustrating the profound difference that exists between members of the UK dairy industry. Practical implications of this research include the suggestion of an independent trade association with statutory power in the dairy industry that spans all stakeholders, as well as suggestions of areas of focus for such an organisation.