A quantum gaming study on thepricing of fresh mixed dual-channel supply chains considering the level of preservation effort

As 'Internet+' technology and e-commerce third-party platforms evolve, consumer options for purchasing fresh products now include both offline and online channels, giving rise to a mixed dual-channel supply chain. We examine this dual-channel supply chain, constructing a market demand function influenced by fresh produce pricing and preservation efforts.Optimal strategies for each stakeholder and the supply chain's maximum profit are analyzed through both classical and quantum game theory. The results indicate that under centralized decision-making, the equilibrium solutions are identical for classical and quantum games, with the quantum entanglement degree $ \gamma = 0 $. In scenarios where market demand exhibits low sensitivity to freshness preservation efforts, the entanglement degree between suppliers and retailers can be elevated by implementing a 'freshness preservation cost-sharing + revenue-sharing contract, ' thereby enhancing supply chain efficiency and profit. This study contributes to the literature by offering new theoretical insights into mitigating free-riding behavior in fresh food retail and explores the potential applications of quantum games in economics.