This paper presents new insights into the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in vertical inter-firm relationships. It adopts a processual and resource-based perspective and focuses on the experiences of fresh produce businesses which have achieved high rates of growth...

This paper presents a critical review of the ways in which the specialised knowledge and working practices of craft-based industries have been transformed in the context of broader processes of industrialisation and global competition. The opening section makes the case for artisanal knowledge...

This study constitutes an appraisal of the theory relating to Relationship Marketing (RM) and its application to vertical channel, business-to-business relationships. Specific reference is made to the fresh produce (fruit, vegetables and salads) sector of the agri-food industry. The study...

Purpose – With brands being an important source of competitive advantage, knowledge of branding is needed to inform their management. After reviewing the literature, the article aims to report the findings of a case study that investigated the role of branding in the industrial purchase of...

Purpose – The principal rationale for this study is to investigate the implications of the introduction of radio frequency identification (RFID) tagging on suppliers. Emphasis concerns the impact it is likely to have on suppliers to the UK grocery retail market. Design/methodology/approach –...

This article investigates whether sectoral entrepreneurship by ethnic minorities is held back by network disconnection. Popular interest in localized production and consumption often gets offered up as an antidote to rapidly globalizing markets. However, fractures between local production and...

This chapter considers the approach of innovative and entrepreneurial organizations that have responded to changing circumstances (eg socio-ethnic, market demand, even climatic) to develop new products for new markets. We discuss the agents for change against a background of evolving national...

Purpose – The paper aims to focus on traceability as part of information management in the fruit supply chains of Emilia-Romagna, Italy. A review of the rules in use for traceability distinguishes between baseline traceability and traceability plus (T+), which encompasses many further embedded...

Purpose – The purpose of this article is twofold: first, to review the literature in order to assess the opportunities and the possible welfare effects of differentiation strategies in the food market; and second, to analyse the current structure and organisation of the fresh produce market...

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate the “human factor” inherent in business-to-business relationships and its impact on the key phases of business relationships: relationship attraction and initiation; relationship development; and relationship dissolution....