Reflections on Supplier Entry Barriers to Domestic Retail Markets: The Case of Food Processing Firms in Kenya

Lotte Thomsen, Paul Kamau, Dorothy McCormick

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Abstract

This paper examines challenges for Kenyan food processing firms in the ‘modern’ domestic supermarket sector, and thereby distinguishes itself from an increasing number of studies that have explored developing country suppliers in global value chains (GVCs). The paper also differs by focusing on food processing businesses rather than on smallholders and farmers and thus adds to our knowledge on the possibilities for economic diversification and value added. The paper is based on survey material and interviews with some of the largest food processors in Kenya. It pinpoints how the requirements these businesses must meet for domestic supermarkets increasingly mimic those often stressed in the export sector. Consequently, domestic supermarkets are often considered out of reach even by larger Kenyan food processors.
Original languageEnglish
Publication date2017
Publication statusPublished - 2017
EventRGS-IBG Annual International Conference 2017: Decolonizing Geographical Knowledges: Opening Geography out to the World - Royal Geographical Society in London, London, United Kingdom
Duration: 30 Aug 20171 Sept 2017

Conference

ConferenceRGS-IBG Annual International Conference 2017
LocationRoyal Geographical Society in London
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityLondon
Period30/08/201701/09/2017

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