Physical loss/waste vs. value decline in peaches and nectarines: A multi-stage empirical and TOPSIS based assessment

This study presents the first integrated regional assessment of physical postharvest losses/waste and value decline of peaches and nectarines in Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran. Data were collected through structured interviews, standardized questionnaires, direct fruit weighing measurements, and observational assessments across the supply chain, including 23 orchards, 23 wholesale distributors, 14 cold storage facilities, 49 retail stores, and 64 households. Mean physical losses were quantified at 4.54% in orchards, 2.49% in wholesale stage, 2.7% in storage stage, and 3.3% at retail stage, while economic value decline reached 7.85% at the orchard stage, 4.23% at wholesale stage, 3.70% during storage, and 4.60% at retail stage, a positive but relatively weak relationship was observed between physical loss and economic value decline. TOPSIS analysis identified the dominant loss drivers at each stage: orchard losses were primarily driven by water stress, lack of precooling, incorrect harvest timing, pest pressure, and shipment delays; wholesale stage losses were linked to harvest distribution mismatches and cold chain interruptions; storage stage losses were largely related to low inbound fruit quality, suboptimal packaging, and excessive storage duration; retail waste were associated with high prices, slow turnover, and limited cooling infrastructure. Household waste was comparatively low at 1.77% but was influenced by purchase planning, storage practices, family size, and initial fruit quality. Overall, the study provides a quantitative, stage specific loss prioritization framework to guide targeted interventions aimed at reducing waste, preserving economic value, and improving fresh fruit market stability.