A SWOT Analysis of Organizations in the Agri-Food Chain Sector from the Northern Region of Portugal Using the PESTEL and MEETHS Frameworks

Teresa Madureira (), Fernando Nunes, Fernando Mata and Manuela Vaz-Velho
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Teresa Madureira: Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability (CISAS), Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo (IPVC), 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
Fernando Nunes: Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability (CISAS), Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo (IPVC), 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
Fernando Mata: Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability (CISAS), Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo (IPVC), 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
Manuela Vaz-Velho: Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability (CISAS), Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo (IPVC), 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal

Agriculture, 2024, vol. 14, issue 9, 1-19

Abstract: Research on modern agri-food chains aims to enhance flexibility by analyzing supply chain aspects to identify improvement opportunities. A SWOT analysis of 39 agri-food sector organizations using a SWOT analysis organized using the PESTEL and MEETHS categories was conducted to evaluate the stakeholders’ needs in this sector of activity in Northern Portugal. Logistic regressions were used to compute inferential statistics, which were complemented with a qualitative analysis. Cooperatives and primary sector companies often claim superior product quality without clear evidence, while corporations integrated into competitive national markets, like those with smoked products, adapt better to dietary trends. Small- and medium-sized enterprises struggle with competitive wages, leading to high turnover and difficulty retaining skilled workers. High costs hinder many organizations, particularly cooperatives, from adopting modern communication technologies affecting competitiveness. Challenges include identifying market opportunities and managing global competition for raw materials, like wild fish. Fishing and meat sectors depend heavily on modern distribution and are dominated by large retailers. Low labor costs boost competitiveness but reflect the struggle to add value. Larger organizations are more optimistic though many face challenges with the cost and volatility of key products, like pork and milk. This study offers the following key recommendations: invest in technology and innovation while balancing short-term gains with long-term sustainability; strengthen strategic planning and collaboration among corporations, cooperatives, associations, and academic institutions; and adapt to regulatory changes, invest in market and technological capabilities, and address resource limitations. Research and collaboration with policymakers and academic institutions will support tailored solutions, enabling the sector to anticipate challenges and capitalize on opportunities.

Keywords: agri-food chain; SWOT analysis; Northern Portugal; recommendations; sectors of activity; stakeholders; types of organizations (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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