Securing the world’s food supply and competitive supply chains

Based on the increasing importance of the transition countries in Europe and Asia for the global food system, this topic focuses on the functioning of value chains and their role in food security at national and international level, taking into account aspects of sustainability and risk in local and international trade. At the same time, it is important to examine ways of meeting the increased nutritional awareness of many population groups.

Accordingly, research is directed at the growth, competitiveness and resilience of trade relations, for example of grain and meat products of the Black Sea region. In this context, the research area also addresses hedging strategies of price and supply risks in international futures markets, the design of logistics infrastructures, and bilateral and multilateral trade agreements. Other studies deal with consumer demand, especially with regard to health-related nutritional offerings in China or Southeastern Europe, for example.