Globalization and strategies for the wine production sector in Brazil: the emerging Vale do São Francisco pole

Abstract

The wine production sector is going through a transition state all over the world. It is breaking up national boundaries and resulting in the adherence to a economic, strategic and political transnationality (globalization). Facing a surplus, the industry reconfigures itself.

This article, which is the result of research work that led to a Master degree dissertation, focuses on this reconfiguration. Its specific objectives are: (i) to reflect on the business competitiveness of the local (Vale do São Francisco) and national wine production sector in a global market, focusing the analysis on the identification and discussion of adjustments that are being implemented, (ii) proposing additional lines of strategic action, (iii) analyzing prospects of success in the new global competitive environment. The research adopted the comparative multiple case study method. The results highlight the existence of a strategic and competitive potential that can be translated (if the proper conditions are created – business structures and operational management aspects) into the establishment of a "competitive geographic concentration” in line with the Michael Porter's clusters for competitiveness.