Purpose

This research seeks to develop a better understanding of internationalization patterns of agrifood firms and explains why different paths are adopted. Further, a conceptual framework to support public and private decision-making is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory qualitative research framework was developed featuring case studies about three highly internationalized Brazilian meat processing firms. Top managers were interviewed, and documents were collected to support the intraand crosscase analyses.

Findings

Results suggest that meat processing firms tend to adopt a dual internationalization pattern. Distribution-oriented foreign direct investment (FDI) is normally established gradually, whilst horizontal FDI – the establishment of foreign production facility – tends to be conducted through a fast-paced expansion mode. Interestingly, it was found that food safety issues play a central role in internationalization decisions.

Originality/value

An extension to the Uppsala model was provided by considering agrifood characteristics in the analysis. The results have broad appeal to managers and policymakers. Agribusiness managers could use the theoretical and empirical evidence to support their internationalization decisions. Policymakers can also use this research to gain a better understanding of how agrifood firms expand internationally to either attract or foster FDI.

中文翻译：

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农业食品公司的国际化进程：拟议的概念框架

目的

这项研究旨在加深对农产品公司国际化模式的理解，并解释了为什么采用不同的途径。此外，提出了一个支持公共和私人决策的概念框架。

设计/方法/方法

建立了探索性的定性研究框架，其中包含有关三个高度国际化的巴西肉类加工公司的案例研究。采访了高层管理人员，并收集了文件以支持案例内和跨案例分析。

发现

结果表明，肉类加工企业倾向于采用双重国际化模式。以分配为导向的外国直接投资（FDI）通常是逐步建立的，而横向外国直接投资（外国生产设施的建立）则倾向于通过快节奏的扩张模式进行。有趣的是，发现食品安全问题在国际化决策中起着核心作用。

创意/价值

通过在分析中考虑农产品的特性，提供了对Uppsala模型的扩展。结果对管理人员和决策者具有广泛的吸引力。农业综合企业管理者可以使用理论和经验证据来支持其国际化决策。政策制定者还可以利用这项研究更好地了解农产品公司如何在国际上扩张以吸引或促进外国直接投资。