Influences on Strategic Information Sharing in Australian Fresh Produce Chains: The View from Experts

Abstract The exchange of strategic information between firms is essential to maintain a whole-of-chain competitive advantage. Fourteen fresh produce experts were interviewed to identify barriers to and mechanism which improve strategic information sharing. Experts identified strategic information was exchanged in market orientated chains where there was trust, relationships and transparent information exchanges between firms. Barriers to information sharing were a lack of accurate and reliable information, a production focus and adversarial relationships. Face to face meetings with all firms in the chain to understand what information is important to who is recommended as a way to improve strategic information sharing.