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A Benders’ decomposition algorithm for optimizing distribution of perishable products considering postharvest biological behavior in agri-food supply chain: a case study of tomato

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Abstract

This paper presents a periodical planning mathematical model for distribution of fresh agri-food (a case study of tomato) after qualitative segregating. The main objective of the model is to maximize the profit of a distributor that has relative control on logistics decisions associated with distribution of fresh products in a agri-food supply chain. In a real world, there are some differences between suitable qualities of each customer and thus, fair pricing is determined by their level of satisfaction. Simultaneously, this model takes into account freshness and ripeness as for the food grade. For estimation of the ripeness, a formulation is used that is related to postharvest biological behavior of the fresh crops. In turn, quality loss functions for quantification of degrading are designed to accommodate fair pricing. In addition, potential warehouses are considered in this model to achieve suitable maturity and service level. This paper presents a mixed integer programming model according to the problem descriptions. Since the model is hard to be solved for large scale problems, a primal decomposition solution procedure is proposed based on Benders’ decomposition method. Meanwhile, performance of the proposed solution method will be evaluated through some test problems. Finally, the model is validated through decision making for a domestic distributor of fresh tomato in Iran.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Industrial Engineering, Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran

    V. R. Ghezavati & S. Hooshyar

  2. School of Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

    R. Tavakkoli-Moghaddam

  3. Research Center for Organizational Processes Improvement, Sari, Iran

    R. Tavakkoli-Moghaddam

Authors
  1. V. R. Ghezavati
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  2. S. Hooshyar
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  3. R. Tavakkoli-Moghaddam
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Correspondence to V. R. Ghezavati.

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Ghezavati, V.R., Hooshyar, S. & Tavakkoli-Moghaddam, R. A Benders’ decomposition algorithm for optimizing distribution of perishable products considering postharvest biological behavior in agri-food supply chain: a case study of tomato. Cent Eur J Oper Res 25, 29–54 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10100-015-0418-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10100-015-0418-3

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