Logistics outsourcing in grocery distribution: a European perspective

Deals with food retailers’ logistics strategies and, more specifically, with the nature of collaboration between retailers and contractors (or third party service providers). According to extensive previous research on the topic, own account distribution has been partly abandoned in favour of contract distribution with, in Europe, the implementation of inter‐organizational relationships based on partnership. The objective of this paper is to discuss this subject by trying to make a clear distinction between myth and reality. The chosen field for investigation is the French grocery distribution sector, for which the non‐cooperative approach remains the dominant model in the logistical channel. Presents some findings of a research study conducted on purchasing and logistics managers from the main companies in this sector.