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The growth challenges of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa's food processing complex

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  • Charles Mather

Abstract

This article focuses on the growth challenges and opportunities of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa's food processing complex and argues that the growth challenges of these enterprises must be seen in the context of restructuring in South Africa's agrifood system. Based on a 30-company sample of SME food processors, the article argues that supermarket sourcing practices represent the most significant obstacle to the growth of these companies. Paradoxically, the complexity of South Africa's food retail system also offers opportunities for growth. The article ends by considering policy options for assisting SMEs, given this growth opportunity.

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  • Charles Mather, 2005. "The growth challenges of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa's food processing complex," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 22(5), pages 607-622.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:deveza:v:22:y:2005:i:5:p:607-622
    DOI: 10.1080/03768350500364208
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kirsten, Johann F. & Sartorius, Kurt, 2002. "Farm-Agribusiness Linkages In South Africa: Empowering Disadvantaged Communities Through Links With Agribusiness," Working Papers 18072, University of Pretoria, Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mabaya, Edward & Mandhania, Ankit & Van der Elst, Sarah Catherine & Hua, Li & Odell, Sarah Grace & Xue, Ke, 2016. "Challenges and opportunities in South Africa’s indigenous plants industry: De Fynne Nursery," International Journal on Food System Dynamics, International Center for Management, Communication, and Research, vol. 7(2), pages 1-12, March.
    2. Jacques Sadiki & Stany Vwima & Philippe Lebailly, 2020. "Obstacles and Performance of Agribusiness Enterprises: Evidence from South-Kivu Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo," Asian Social Science, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 16(11), pages 1-7, November.

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