This paper presents a systematic literature review aimed to identify key drivers and barriers associated with the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies in fresh food supply chains across emerging countries. The transformative potential of Industry 4.0 holds promises enhanced efficiency and sustainability in these chains, but its adoption presents unique challenges in emerging countries. This review collected and synthesized the latest research, showing perspectives on the factors influencing the success or failure of Industry 4.0 technology implementations in fresh food supply chains. The insights derived from this review can offer valuable guidance for professionals, researchers, and policymakers seeking to strengthen fresh food supply chains in emerging economies through the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies with the local idiosyncrasies. Some of our findings show that the barriers range from financial constraints and a lack of guidance for entrepreneurs to organizational complexities and regulatory challenges in implementing technologies like blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, and IoT in agricultural supply chains.