Perspectives on evaluating competitiveness in agribusiness industries

This article discusses strategies to improve the competitiveness of agribusiness firms through enhanced customer value. Relationships between customer value and factors that influence the cost structure of the firm are discussed. The relationships between customer value and product differentiation, vertical coordination, niche marketing, total quality management, and related strategies are explored. Finally, implications for managerial decisions in the food and agribusiness sector are presented. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.