Assessing the degree of localness of food value chains

Consumers' interest in local food has recently increased, even if the distinction between local and global food still remains unclear. Aside from the concept of food-miles, no metrics exist to quantify the level of "localness" of a product. In this study, five criteria for making this distinction are derived from the literature: geographical distance, supply chain size, supply chain length, identity, and governance. Two case studies from the Swiss cheese sector are analyzed using these criteria in order to illustrate the application of the framework and to show the differences in their localness. On average, the local cheese obtains a degree of localness of 56% and the global one achieves 31%. There are small differences in "geographical distance" and "supply chain length"; but the distinction lies more in "supply chain size," "identity," and "governance." This study shows that these cheeses hide a local-global hybridity, by promoting local attributes and values while being embedded in international markets.