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Bouichou EH, Fadlaoui A, Bouayad A, Allali K. An hedonic evaluation of the impacts of vertical coordination on business performance amongst apple producers in Morocco. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27745. [PMID: 38533009 PMCID: PMC10963229 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
We present an econometric analysis of the marketing of apples in Morocco that investigates the relationship between vertical coordination arrangements and the prices of apples for farmers. In this study, the hedonic method is used to evaluate the vertical coordination of apple fruit chains by analyzing the marginal implicit price of different product characteristics. We examine the variables influencing apple prices for farmers, comprising intrinsic factors related to the farm's characteristics and quality attributes such as fruit variety and fruit diameter. Additionally, we consider extrinsic variables associated with marketing factors, including vertical coordination systems, payment terms, seasonality of sale, cold storage, and geographical origin. Based on a nationally representative survey of 190 apple growers in the southeast of Morocco, an empirical analysis is conducted. Results highlight the pivotal role of apple growers' experience in elevating farm-level prices, indicating a deeper understanding of market dynamics. Significant price variations are tied to quality attributes, notably a 19.2% premium for larger apples (75-85 mm diameter), indicating market preference. The economic analysis underscores the influence of apple varieties, with Golden commanding a 16.4% higher price, indicating heightened consumer demand. Additionally, the study found that marketing factors, vertical coordination models, payment terms, seasonality of sale, cold storage, and geographical origin also have a positive impact on apple prices. Furthermore, vertical coordination models positively impact apple and prices provide producers with guidance for effective supply chain coordination. These insights, extending beyond theory, serve as a roadmap for policymakers to support the agricultural sector. Equipped with knowledge of business performance, farmers can implement targeted measures to enhance the marketing value of their agricultural products, fostering resilience and profitability in the Moroccan apple sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- El Houssain Bouichou
- Department of Economic and Social Sciences Applied to Agriculture, Agronomic and Veterinary Institute Hassan II, Madinat Al Irfane, B.P. 6202, Rabat 10101, Morocco
- Economics and Sociology and Quality Regional Agricultural Research, P.O. Box 578 (VN), CRRA Meknes 50000, INRA Morocco
| | - Aziz Fadlaoui
- Economics and Sociology and Quality Regional Agricultural Research, P.O. Box 578 (VN), CRRA Meknes 50000, INRA Morocco
| | - Abdelghani Bouayad
- Laboratory for Social Sciences and Economics, Faculty of Economic and Social Legal Sciences, Moulay Ismail University, B.P. 3201 Toulal, Meknes 50000, Morocco
| | - Khalil Allali
- Department of Economic and Social Sciences Applied to Agriculture, Agronomic and Veterinary Institute Hassan II, Madinat Al Irfane, B.P. 6202, Rabat 10101, Morocco
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Arcot Y, Mu M, Lin YT, DeFlorio W, Jebrini H, Kunadu APH, Yegin Y, Min Y, Castillo A, Cisneros-Zevallos L, Taylor TM, Akbulut ME. Edible nano-encapsulated cinnamon essential oil hybrid wax coatings for enhancing apple safety against food borne pathogens. Curr Res Food Sci 2024; 8:100667. [PMID: 38292343 PMCID: PMC10825335 DOI: 10.1016/j.crfs.2023.100667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-harvest losses of fruits due to decay and concerns regarding microbial food safety are significant within the produce processing industry. Additionally, maintaining the quality of exported commodities to distant countries continues to pose a challenge. To address these issues, the application of bioactive compounds, such as essential oils, has gained recognition as a means to extend shelf life by acting as antimicrobials. Herein, we have undertaken an innovative approach by nano-encapsulating cinnamon-bark essential oil using whey protein concentrate and imbibing nano-encapsulates into food-grade wax commonly applied on produce surfaces. We have comprehensively examined the physical, chemical, and antimicrobial properties of this hybrid wax to evaluate its efficacy in combatting the various foodborne pathogens that frequently trouble producers and handlers in the post-harvest processing industry. The coatings as applied demonstrated a static contact angle of 85 ± 1.6°, and advancing and receding contact angles of 90 ± 1.1° and 53.0 ± 1.6°, respectively, resembling the wetting properties of natural waxes on apples. Nanoencapsulation significantly delayed the release of essential oil, increasing the half-life by 61 h compared to its unencapsulated counterparts. This delay correlated with statistically significant reductions (p = 0.05) in bacterial populations providing both immediate and delayed (up to 72 h) antibacterial effects as well as expanded fungal growth inhibition zones compared to existing wax technologies, demonstrating promising applicability for high-quality fruit storage and export. The utilization of this advanced produce wax coating technology offers considerable potential for bolstering food safety and providing enhanced protection against bacteria and fungi for produce commodities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashwanth Arcot
- Artie McFerrin Department of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Minchen Mu
- Artie McFerrin Department of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Yu-Ting Lin
- Artie McFerrin Department of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - William DeFlorio
- Artie McFerrin Department of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Haris Jebrini
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | | | - Yagmur Yegin
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Younjin Min
- Depart of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA, 92521
| | - Alejandro Castillo
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Luis Cisneros-Zevallos
- Department of Horticultural Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Thomas M. Taylor
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Mustafa E.S. Akbulut
- Artie McFerrin Department of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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