How Campanian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Can Compete in the Global Agro-Food Industry

Abstract

Importance of the agro-food industry in Italy and in Campania led us to investigate industry structure and small and medium enterprises' (SMEs) strategies for competing in the global scenario. We first analyzed the relevance of the Campanian agro-food system. Then we presented the results of face-to-face interviews to some SMEs. Through the interviews, we highlighted the SME value chain structures and their strategies to face global challenges. Most of the Campanian SMEs internationalize their activity by exporting their products abroad. Firms export in markets oriented to a high level of product quality—the main factor of Campanian agro-food SMEs' competitive advantage.

Keywords:

• agro-food
• SME
• Campania