Alternative Agri-Food Networks and Their Role in Re-Localization of Food and Creation of Shared Value: The Case of the Leuven Food Hub

Alternative Agri-Food Networks (AAFNs) are emerging as unconventional models of aggregation, distribution and marketing of food products, as opposed to the prevailing industrialized agri-food system. Within these alternative chains, different types of organizations such as food hubs are promoting a reconnection between producers and consumers as well as a fair distribution of social and economic value throughout the food supply chain. The article analyzes the sourcing and distributing practices of a case study, the Leuven Food Hub in Belgium. The research shows the role of the case study in the re-localization of food and the creation of shared value throughout the supply chain, illustrating the importance of transparency, traceability and trust relations. Moreover, it critically analyzes the transformative potential of this type of model to promote broader schemes of sustainable development. It is argued that these initiatives are proving to be highly resilient, especially in times of crisis, such as the one caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is highlighted how food hubs can bring incremental change towards more ecologically and socially responsible food systems. However, we outline the tension between scaling up and remaining alternative, short and local and the challenge this poses to the economic viability of the model. Broadly, given the fact that AAFNs are still a recent phenomenon and therefore a research field under construction, this study aims at contributing to scholars and practitioners with empirical evidence of a functioning alternative agrifood network.