Publications By Region

Regions

• Sub-Saharan Africa
• Asia and the Near East
• Europe and Eurasia
• Latin America and the Caribbean
• Multi-Regional/Global

 

Sub-Saharan Africa

Small Farmer Organizations and Transformed Markets in Southern Africa
D. Neven, R. Hopkins, D. Weatherspoon, and T. Reardon
MSU/AEC Staff Paper
October 2005

Southern Africa’s agricultural producers face a rapidly changing environment which has created new market opportunities in the form of potentially more profitable and reliable long term contracts. It also created new challenges.  Limited in their resources and representing high transaction cost options for these buyers, the rural poor are in a weak position to overcome these challenges, thus making their inclusion in these new market opportunities less likely. Given this new market reality, our strategic research question here is: what business models can assist Southern Africa’s rural poor in successfully accessing and competing in dynamic food markets? A detailed understanding of these successful business models will provide powerful guidance to development programs aimed at replicating the success stories on a larger scale.

Ghana Private-Public Partnership Food Industry Development Program – Major Accomplishments/Lessons Learned/Closeout
Peter Achuonjei
May 2005

The Rapid Rise of Supermarkets in Kenya: Impact on the Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Supply System
David Neven, Thomas Reardon, et. al.
April 2005

The research presented in this report focuses on the impact of the rise of domestic supermarkets on urban consumers of and supply chains for fresh fruits and vegetables (FFV) in Kenya.  Within this context, this study aims to help answer the following three strategic questions, each at a different level of the supply chain: (1) at the retailer level: ‘What is the importance of supermarkets in food and FFV retailing and what is the nature of the supermarkets’ FFV procurement system?’; (2) at the consumer level: ‘What is the effect of the development of the supermarket sector on the (urban) consumers’ food and FFV purchasing behavior?’; and (3) at the farmer level: ‘What is the effect of the development of the supermarket sector on (FFV) producers’ behavior and net income?’.

Lessons Learned and Comparative Analysis of the Kenyan and Ghanaian Horticultural Industry: Joint Mission Report
CARE-Ghana and Michigan State University
2004

The Kenya Mission conducted in December 2003 included study visits to farms, processing plants, and cooling facilities.  The principal purpose of the Joint Mission between CARE Ghana and MSU was to analyze the Kenyan horticulture industry, which is considered to be at an advanced stage in Africa, for the purpose of identifying best horticultural and marketing practices that have application for the Ghanaian horticulture industry. The overall purpose is to offer suggestions for enhancing the long term viability and prosperity of small-scale producers.

Analysis of the Ghanaian Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Industry
Peter Achuonjei
April 2004

This study analyzes the important insights were gained into the Ghanaian horticultural situation, especially the pineapple industry during a Mission trip conducted in early 2004.  The principal purpose of the Mission was to identify ways by which the pineapple industry can be strengthened, especially to enhance the long term viability and prosperity of small-scale producers. Pineapple producers visited were mainly large-scale, many working closely with small producers, usually referred to as “out growers.”

European Ghanaians Pineapples Consumer Report
A.A.M. Poelman, J. Mojet
April 2004

The Ghana Private-Public Partnership for Food Industry Development (PFID) project which is funded by USAID and managed by MSU intends to promote the export and sale of G Ghanaian pineapples on the international market. PFID-F&V would like to have an indication of the consumer preference and an evaluation of sensory attributes of fresh pineapple in eight European countries. Furthermore, PFID-F&V would like to know if consumers are willing to pay for pineapples which are grown organically and/or traded ‘fair’.

The World Trade in Mangoes and Mango Products and Opportunities for Kenya
David Neven
August 2001

FAO statistics indicate that the mango trade has increased by 265% in volume between 1990 and 1999 and has the fourth most rapidly growing volume in the fruit and vegetable trade.  This document analyzes the market opportunities for the production of mangos for export in Kenya.  At first glance, it would appear unlikely that Kenya can compete on price with Mexican growers, especially in the US market.  However, there may be opportunities in the high-end market niches. 

The Impact of Improved Grades & Standards on the Export Potential of Targeted Agricultural/Fishery Commodities in Mozambique
Richard Bawden, Mylene Kherallah, Denise Mainville
April 2001

It is widely accepted within Mozambique that agriculture, as a function of its current and traditional roles in the economy, its physical potential, and the labor force available to it, represents the most important ‘engine of growth’ for that country for the foreseeable future. Such growth however, is starting from a very low foundation, and there are many systemic constraints to development to be overcome, including issues associated with grades and standards (G&S) across the entire agricultural/fishery system.  In spite of the current lack of a significant national/regional momentum on G&S issues in Mozambique, the present research has revealed the strategic significance of G&S within specific subsectors in promoting agricultural/fishery export growth. The prawn, cotton and cashew subsectors are particular prominent in this regard as all three contribute significantly to the current export profile of Mozambique. A range of G&S issues impact significantly on these subsectors as they are predicted to with non-traditional commodities such as pigeon pea, sesame, banana, citrus, and paprika, which are all regarded as having export potential in the country.

The Impact of Standards on the Food Sector of Kenya
Craig Harris, P. Vincent Hegarty, et. al.
April 2001

During the period 5-26 August 2000, a team organized by the Agricultural Biotechnology Support Project (ABSP) and the Institute of Food and Agricultural Standards (IFAS) at Michigan State University (MSU) undertook an exploratory reconnaissance of the food and agricultural sector of the economy of Kenya, with the aim of identifying the impacts of grades and standards on the sector.

The Impact of Improved Grades & Standards for Agricultural Products in Zambia
D. Giovannucci, P. Sterns, et. al.
March 2001

The study assesses whether more effective and efficient systems of Grades and Standards (G&S) can improve Zambia's agricultural sector and expand its trade and development opportunities. It identifies key actors, both public and private, and elaborates on their roles in developing G&S. An assessment of regional and international trends and trade issues for G&S provide the background for an outline of the important opportunities and constraints. The study then briefly analyzes the structure, function, and flows of the supply chain for most of Zambia’s agricultural products and, using a series of six filters, divides them into three categories.

A National Working Group Report on Trade Policy and the Implementation of the SADC Trade Protocol: Malawi
Serge Petit, Peter Hopcraft
March 2001

 

The more general aim of this NWG was to establish communication and increase the two-way flow of information between the various public agencies and the private commercial firms involved. It was not only a response to the interest on all sides in improving the country’s negotiating position vis-à-vis other countries in the region, it was an effort to institutionalize an ongoing forum for discussing and resolving the full range of issues, including any misunderstandings and disagreements that inevitably arise among the multiple government, parastatal and private sector players involved with trade, manufacturing and export development in the country.

The Impact of Improved Grades & Standards on the Export Potential of Targeted Commodities in Malawi
D. Toomey, P. Sterns, C. Jumbe
May 2000

Malawi’s traditional exports, tea and tobacco, are vulnerable to international pressures (price, politics and quality), the high cost of imported inputs and high transportation costs to global markets. As Malawi seeks to diversify agricultural production and agroprocessing beyond tobacco, the mechanisms to communicate accurate and timely market information through the supply chain from global markets to rural local producers will be a key factor in determining the success of any diversification strategy.  By focusing on the market expansion potential of selected commodities, and the benefits that would accrue from improved G&S, we can begin to assess the economic benefits of a Grades and Standards initiative.

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Asia and the Near East

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Europe and Eurasia

Grades and Standards for Agricultural Products in Azerbaijan
G. Bledsoe, B. Rasco, et. al.
February 2005

This analysis identifies critical points for agricultural commodities, food products and food processing industries for which grades and standards initiatives could have the greatest market impact and how these grades and standards could be effectively implemented. The recommendations presented here could yield significant improvements in trade, improve the local and regional economy, create meaningful employment and improve the social well being of the people of Azerbaijan. A number of recommendations for cross-sector G&S improvements are also presented. Finally, the report also details additional factors affecting the Azerbaijan agribusiness sector.

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Latin America and the Caribbean

Customized Competitiveness" Strategies for Horticultural Exporters: Central America Focus with Lessons from and for other Regions
T. Reardon and L. Flores
December 2006
Food Policy, Vol. 31, Issue 6

This article presents the idea of “customized competitiveness” as a strategy necessary for overall competitiveness in particular in globalized horticulture markets and in the “second round” of globalization that started in the mid/late 1990s. Customized competitiveness is additional and complementary to basic “structural competitiveness” that is the focus of competitiveness debates today and for the past decade. The paper illustrates the need for this new strategy, using the example of Central America, highlighting the severe challenges (similar to those facing other developing regions) it faces in the second round of globalization of the horticulture markets it faces, magnified by market liberalization culminating recently in implementation of CAFTA.  The paper then illustrates “solutions” by providing examples of cutting-edge programs in various developing countries of de facto “customized competitiveness” in the form of public-private partnerships and the provision of public and semi-public goods, to help their exporters access and succeed in the new markets.

International Fruits and Vegetables Market Insights Brief #1: Global Market Opportunities and Challenges for Central American Exporters: Strategies for Customized Competitiveness in the CAFTA Era
T. Reardon and L. Flores
February 2006

Central American countries are entering CAFTA in the midst of the globalization period that started with trade liberalization in the early 1980s and that CAFTA now makes permanent. From the viewpoint of export market external opportunities and challenges, CAFTA does not change much Central America’s situation of trade openness with its major target market at present, the U.S.  Through investment rule harmonization and promotion of a customs union, CAFTA does help position Central America more competitively to the U.S. and the world.

Supermarkets, New-Generation Wholesalers, Tomato Farmers, and NGOs in Nicaragua
F. Balsevich, J. Berdegué, and T. Reardon
MSU/AEC Staff Paper
January 2006

This paper examines the determinants and effects of farmers’ participation in supermarket channels, with and without assistance from NGOs in “business linkage” programs. It finds that absent that assistance, the farmers that work with supermarket chains tend to be the “upper tier” of small farmers, better capitalized with various assets. The smaller and less-capitalized farmers that work with supermarkets tend to do so in association with NGO assistance. The paper discusses the issue of whether this development program approach is sustainable and can be upscaled, and wrestles with the tradeoff of helping poor farmers gain access to dynamic markets, of making it affordable at a larger scale by national governments with tight budgets, and at the same time field programs that are market-sustainable and market-responsive.

Tomato Farmer Participation in Supermarket Channels in Guatemala: Determinants and Technology and Income Effects
R. Hernandez, T. Reardon and J. Berdegue
MSU/AEC Staff Paper
January 2006

The paper shows that in a comparison between supermarket channels and traditional channels, farmers selling to supermarkets tend to be in the upper-end of the “small farmer” category, have more capital, and be much more specialized in commercial horticulture in general and in tomatoes in particular, as compared to the traditional farmers. While they have higher yields, they also have higher input use, including use of chemicals, and these greater input expenditures means that their profit rate is roughly similar to the farmers in the traditional channel. While the share of supermarkets in the produce market in Guatemala is still minor, these results mean merely that the more capitalized-tier of small farmers enjoy some advantages with the new channel, but also some entry costs that the traditional farmers as of yet do not face.

Central American Supermarkets’ Private Standards of Quality and Safety in Procurement of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

J. Berdegué, F. Balsevich, L. Flores and T. Reardon

Food Policy 30(3)

June 2005

In the context of near-absence of public food safety and quality standards, or the lack of effective implementation of them where they exist, and in order to increase product quality and consistency and differentiate their product from traditional produce retailers, leading supermarket chains in Central America are imposing private standards on their fresh produce suppliers. These are mainly for cosmetic quality, but emerging also are standards for fresh produce safety, in particular for leafy greens and some fruit. The implementation of these private standards of produce safety are good for consumers as they are among the few food safety practices by domestic food industry actors. But the tougher standards are a challenge for producers who need to make significant investments, implying the need for investment assistance and support services by governments. The paper presents field study findings for Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua from 2002 to 2004.

Supermercados: Abriendo Oportunidades a Productores Centroamericanos de Frutas y Verduras
R. Clark, J. Mendez and M. Richards
2005
(Spanish only)

El propósito de la presente investigación es validar la tesis de que el productor centroamericano sí tiene acceso a vender sus productos a través de las cadenas de supermercados que operan en el área, siempre y cuando cumpla con los estándares establecidos por los supermercados.  El enfoque de este informe es  determinar el papel que juega el agricultor centroamericano en proveer frutas y verduras a los supermercados en los cinco países de Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua y Costa Rica que están bajo la sombrilla de CARHCO. Adicionalmente, analiza la relación entre el productor y el comprador (supermercado), haciendo comparación de los diferentes sistemas que rigen en los países.

Normas del Mercado vinculadas al MSF: El Proyecto Regional Alianzas para el Desarrollo de la Industria Alimentaria – Fruitas y Verduras (PFID) – Acceso al Mercado para Agricultores
Rick Clark
2005
(PPT presentation, Spanish only)

Este presentacion describe el programa de PFID Acceso al Mercado para Agricultores.  El enfoque es incrementar el acceso al mercado y transacciones por y para los agricultures centroamericanos en los mercados locales, regionales e internacionales. 

Avocado Market Study
AGEXPRONT
April 2004
(Spanish Only)

Avocado is produced in 46 countries around the world, however, only a few have been able to access the profitable U.S. market.  The following market study examines current trends in avocado production and the U.S. demand characteristics and trends.

Snow Pea Market Study
AGEXPRONT
(Spanish Only)

This market study analyzes the U.S. market demand for snow peas and the production and export potential and challenges.

Cocoa Market Study
AGEXPRONT
April 2004
(Spanish Only)

This market study analyzes the U.S. market demand for cocoa and the production and export potential and challenges.

Hot Pepper Market Study
AGEXPRONT
April 2004
(Spanish Only)

 

This market study analyzes the U.S. market demand for hot peppers and the production and export potential and challenges.

Coconut Market Study
AGEXPRONT
April 2004
(Spanish Only)

This market study analyzes the U.S. market demand for coconut and the production and export potential and challenges.

Chicory Market Study
AGEXPRONT
April 2004
(Spanish Only)

This market study analyzes the U.S. market demand for chicory and the production and export potential and challenges.

Lemon Market Study
AGEXPRONT
April 2004
(Spanish Only)

This market study analyzes the U.S. market demand for lemons and the production and export potential and challenges.

 

Persian Lemon Market Study
AGEXPRONT
April 2004
(Spanish Only)

This market study analyzes the U.S. market demand for Persian lemons and the production and export potential and challenges.

Mandarine Market Study
AGEXPRONT
April 2004
(Spanish Only)

This market study analyzes the U.S. market demand for mandarin oranges and the production and export potential and challenges.

Persimmon Market Study
AGEXPRONT
April 2004
(Spanish Only)

This market study analyzes the U.S. market demand for persimmons and the production and export potential and challenges.

Maracuya Market Study
AGEXPRONT
April 2004
(Spanish Only)

This market study analyzes the U.S. market demand for maracuya and the production and export potential and challenges.

Honeydew Market Study
Fernando Balsevich
April 2004
(Spanish Only)

This market study analyzes the U.S. market demand for honeydew melons and the production and export potential and challenges.

Cantaloupe Market Study
Fernando Balsevich
April 2004
(Spanish Only)

This market study analyzes the U.S. market demand for cataloupe and the production and export potential and challenges.

Watermelon Market Study
Fernando Balsevich
April 2004
(Spanish Only)

This market study analyzes the U.S. market demand for watermelon and the production and export potential and challenges.

Analisis del Comercio Regional y Extraregional de Frutas y Hortalizas en Centro America
Granados Friely, Juan Carlos
October 2004
(in Spanish only)

Tradicionalmente, Estados Unidos ha representado el destino más importante de las exportaciones agrícolas de Centroamérica. Los productos de la región han gozado de acceso preferencial a través de tarifas arancelarias bajas o nulas.  En virtud que el mercado centroamericano está eliminando las  arifas arancelarias a las importaciones que se originen dentro de la región, las empresas agrícolas se verán forzadas a ser más eficientes y ser más competitivas con el fin de mantener sus participaciones de mercado. Los objetivos del publicacion son (i) identificar los productos hortofrutícolas que se comercializan dentro de la region y hacia Estados Unidos; y (ii) determinar los productos hortofrutícolas más importantes en términos de volúmenes de comercio regional y extraregional.

U.S. Market for Nicaraguan Plantains
Julian Velez
November 2003

Plantains are now found in all supermarket stores in the east and west coasts of the United States and in the majority of stores in the Midwest. All major supermarket chains carry plantains on a regular basis, servicing Hispanic consumers that are the major buyers of this product.  However, mainstream consumers are finding plantains (cooking bananas) more appealing as a fresh food or vegetable and are increasing sales of this item in all food stores.

Modified Atmosphere Packaging for Snow Peas Exported from Guatemala
Maria Paz Gonzalez Mulet
2002

Since the late 1980s Guatemala has been the leading exporting country of snow peas to the U.S. and one of the main exporters to Europe. While experience in growing high quality snow peas is present in Guatemala, some of the post-harvest procedure have not yet been mastered. This paper reviews available literature related to Modified Atmosphere Packaging for retail containers of snow peas, to give the product longer shelf-life in good marketable condition. A step-by-step experimental approach is recommended for conducting in-country trials to determine the best gas mixture, packaging, and logistics for the varieties grown in Guatemala.

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Multi-Regional/Global

The Supermarket Revolution in Developing Countries: Policies to Address Emerging Tensions among Supermarkets, Suppliers and Traditional Retailers
T. Reardon and R. Hopkins
December 2006

Supermarkets are spreading quickly in developing countries. The “take-off” occurred as recently as the early/mid 1990s, driven by an avalanche of foreign direct investment (FDI) sparked by retail FDI liberalization. A decade on, the power and dominance of supermarkets is already felt in the food markets of many developing countries, and tensions between supermarkets and traditional retailers, and supermarkets and their suppliers, are emerging as key policy and political debates. The paper analyzes those tensions. Then it reviews the US and Western European history and current experience in designing policies to address those tensions. It ends with an analysis of emerging policy approaches to the supermarket sector and the tensions its growth is creating in developing countries, and recommendations.

International Fruits and Vegetables Market Insights Brief #4: Foodservice Trends in the U.S.
R. Hopkins and T. Reardon
April 2006

Over fifty percent of the food eaten in the United States is consumed away from home.  This segment of the food industry presents hitherto untapped opportunities for fresh fruit and vegetable suppliers as most research and market access programs have concentrated on the food retail sector.  However, there are synergies between the two sectors as many of the same forces affecting the food retail sector have been transforming the food service industry as well.  How the food service industry has changed over the last decade and the shape it will take in the years to come is increasingly significant as it is within this sector that the majority of food dollars will be spent in the future.

Private Agrifood Standards in Developing Countries: Implications for Food Policy and the Agri-Food System

S. Henson and T. Reardon

Food Policy 30(3)

June 200This paper provides a brief introduction to the evolution and nature of private food safety and quality standards, highlighting the resultant impacts on the structure and modus operandi of supply chains for agricultural and food products and the challenges posed for processes of agricultural development. It serves as an introduction to a series of papers (Food Policy Special Issue 30 (3)) that provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge regarding private food safety and quality standards in both an industrialized and developing country context. In so doing, it aims to provide a catalyst for further research on this rapidly evolving field of inquiry.

Supermarket Expansion in Latin America and Asia: Implications for Food Marketing Systems
Reardon, T., CP Timmer, and JA Berdegue
in A. Regmi and M. Gehlar (eds), New Directions in Global Food Markets
USDA/ERS Agriculture Information Bulletin No. (AIB794)
February 2005

Economic growth and consumer demand have allured supermarkets to developing countries, where they are replacing traditional food retail outlets and dramatically transforming existing food supply chains.

 

Sustainable Coffee Survey of the North American Specialty Coffee Industry
Daniele Giovannucci
July 2001

As the coffee industry experiences some of the lowest green bean prices of the past hundred years, high-quality and niche coffees are among the few receiving a more substantial remuneration. Organic, Shade, and Fair Trade coffees fill a market niche that is often rewarded with a premium price and can provide superior environmental, economic and social benefits to producers.  This survey studies the characteristics and trend estimates of sustainable coffees across the full range of actors—from importers to retailers—in the North American specialty coffee market.

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