Investigating the feasibility of supply chain-centric business models in 3D chocolate printing: a simulation study
Jia, Fu; Wang, Xiaofeng; Mustafee, Navonil; et al.Hao, Liang
Date: 1 January 2016
Article
Journal
Technological Forecasting and Social Change
Publisher
Elsevier
Publisher DOI
Abstract
3D chocolate printing provides the technology for manufacturing chocolates layer-by-layer, thus offering customers enhanced product value and personalized consumption experience. As business models in the chocolate industry are closely associated with the profitability of the supply chain constituents, it seems appropriate to investigate ...
3D chocolate printing provides the technology for manufacturing chocolates layer-by-layer, thus offering customers enhanced product value and personalized consumption experience. As business models in the chocolate industry are closely associated with the profitability of the supply chain constituents, it seems appropriate to investigate the financial viability of these supply-chain centric business models prior to their introduction in the real world. In this paper we present two business models pertaining to the supply chain for 3D printed chocolates; we evaluate the financial viability of these innovative models through the use of computer modelling and simulation. The study is based on the commercialization efforts of a UK based 3D chocolate printing technology provider (Choc Edge). The results of the study indicate that 1) the retailer dominant supply chain model is a potentially disruptive business model innovations that are enabled by the 3D food printing technology, and as such, may pose a challenge to traditional high end chocolate products; 2) the manufacturer dominant model helps manufacturers gain more profits while retailer profits tend to be stagnant.
Management
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy
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