Sustainability of meat value chain: Bibliometric review of main trends and theoretical connections

Abstract

The sustainability of the meat value chain is a topic of global importance, with slaughtering close to farms emerging as a significant measure that not only enhances animal welfare, but also integrates economic, environmental, and social aspects into the meat production process. In this study, we conducted a thorough analysis of 99 academic articles focusing on the sustainability of the meat value chain, published between 1985 and 2024. Utilizing VOSviewer software version 1.6.20, we performed both bibliometric and thematic analyses to gain insights into the evolution of research in this field. Our findings reveal a substantial increase in studies on this subject since 2017, with 80% of publications emerging in the last seven years, indicating a growing interest in this area of research. Swedish universities and researchers were identified as key contributors to this body of work, demonstrating a significant commitment to exploring the sustainability of the meat value chain. Furthermore, we observed that studies related to sustainability and the circular economy are predominantly published in journals focused on environmental issues, highlighting the interconnectedness of these concepts. This review aims to provide valuable support to researchers and academics by elucidating the boundaries and potential of research on the sustainability of the meat value chain. By shedding light on current trends and areas of focus, we hope to inspire further exploration and innovation in improving the supply chain in the future.