Supply chain of three vegetables used in canned tuna products

In the Philippines, there is an increase in the number of canned tuna products with vegetables as ingredients. Popular Filipino main dishes like mechado, afritada and caldereta are some examples of these canned tuna products. The supply chain of the three most common vegetables (sweet pepper, carrots and potatoes) used in canned tuna was investigated through interviews, surveys and ocular field observations. Activities in the supply chain consisted of production, postharvest handling, sourcing, consolidation, delivery to the cannery, processing and distribution. The farmers, traders/middlemen, accredited cannery suppliers and processor are the major players in the chain. The cannery rejected produce that were green (sweet pepper), decayed, or off-sized. If done with less care, steps performed in the chain like cleaning, sorting, packaging and transporting add to the reduction in raw material quality. Farmers perceived the need for improving farm production practices particularly pest and disease control and other production problems to improve productivity and to reduce wastage. Collaborations can be strengthened so that the required vegetables at the required volume and quality can be provided. The supply chain can be improved by giving attention to quality issues, application of simple postharvest handling technologies, and adequate dissemination of appropriate technical and market information.