Marcos Fava Neves

A model for the distribution channels planning process

Research of existing literature reveals some models (sequence of steps) for companies that want to plan distribution channels. None of these models uses strong contributions from transaction cost economics, bringing a possibility to elaborate on a “distribution channels planning model”, with these contributions and organizing the steps according to a sequence that would be useful for companies when reviewing the distribution process. This sequence was refined through in‐depth interviews with companies. Presents the final version of our model incorporating the results from the interviews.

Sistema agroindustrial da cana: cenários e agenda estratégica

The article presents data about the sugar cane agribusiness system (AGS) in Brazil, and trends for ethanol, sugar and bioenergy. Making use of the macro environmental (STEP) analysis, its possible to know opportunities and threats to the whole system, in terms of politic-legal (institutional), economic-environmental, socio-cultural and technological variables. At the same time, through the internal analysis, it can be showed strength and weak points in terms of five analytical dimensions: production, communication, logistics, personal capabilities and coordination. To finish, through the productive system (chain) strategic planning method, it can be generated a strategic agenda, with public and private policies, for the sustainable growth of this important productive system in the Brazilian and global economy.

CITRICULTURA BRASILEIRA: EFEITOS ECONÔMICO-FINANCEIROS, 1996 ¾ 2000

This study analyses the economic importance of the Brazilian citrus industry in the Brazilian Trade Balance in the period of 1996 - 2000, as well as the economic financial transaction in the citrus chain along 1999. This analysis shows the considerable participation of the frozen concentrate orange juice (FCOJ) in the Sao Paulo Trade Payment, where only recently this product lost the 1st place for airplanes, as well as its importance among the most important Brazilian export products, placing the Brazilian fruits crops inside the best export products.

O desafio da coordenação e seus impactos sobre a competitividade de cadeias e sistemas agroindustriais

This paper intends to present some of the concepts of coordination of agribusiness systems (AGSs) and of competitiveness between chains, specifically meat chains (beef, pork and chicken meat). Then, some recent examples of different forms of coordination of AGSs are analysed and also how they affect competitiveness between the chains.

The food business environment and the role of China and Brazil building a “food bridge”

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to discuss the economic crisis of 2008/2009 and the major impacts on developing nations and food-producing countries. Within this macro-environment of food chains, there is concern that food inflation might come back sooner than expected. The role of China as one of the major food consumers in the future, and Brazil, as the major food producer, is described as the food bridge, and an agenda of common development of these countries suggested. Design/methodology/approach - This paper reviews literature on causes of food inflation, production shortages, and investigation of programs to solve the problem in the future, it is also based on authors personal insights and experience of working on this field in the last 15 years, and recent discussions in forums and interviews. Findings - The major factors that jointly caused food prices increase in 2007/2008 were population growth, income distribution, urbanization, dollar devaluations, commodity funds, social programs, production shortages, and biofuels. A list of ten policies is suggested: horizontal expansion of food production, vertical expansion, reduction in transaction costs, in protectionism and other taxes, investment in logistics, technology and better coordination, contracts, new generation of fertilizers and to use the best sources of biofuels. Originality/value - Two major outputs from this paper are the “food demand model” that inserts in one model the trends and causes of food inflation and the solutions; and the “food bridge concept” that also aligns in one box the imminent major food chain cooperation between China and Brazil.

World consumption of fruit juices, nectars, and still drinks

In 2009, the world consumed 117.7 billion gallons of industrialized still drinks. Of the total volume, 77% were consumed in 40 countries, with 23.5 million liters in the juice category, 17 million in the nectar category, 42 million in the category of still drinks, and 35 million in the category of powdered and concentrated juices. In the period from 2003 to 2009, the consumed volume of fruit-based beverages increased by 30.2%. However, since much of this growth came from increased consumption in lower social classes in emerging countries, the increase in the sales volume occurred primarily in the categories of nectars and still drinks, and therefore does not reflect an increased demand for orange juice at 66° Brix, because these are categories of beverages that are diluted in water instead of 100% juice (Graph 37)

Clean energy policies for China: the case of ethanol

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to discuss the need of sustainability in its three major pillars for the future: profit, planet and people. Actions for companies and governments are listed, and a more in-depth discussion is performed towards one of the most viable clean and renewable fuels used by society until nowadays, ethanol. The basics of this industry, the experience of Brazil in 40 years of usage of this fuel to the car fleet and recent developments are raised. Design/methodology/approach - Traditional case study methodology is used to focus the analysis on the sugarcane industry in Brazil. This case study of this industry, together with previous projects done in 15 years of experience in this industry, is used to reach the objective of showing how this integrated chain works and addressing the importance of ethanol as an energy alternative for China. Findings - China can start adopting an E10 policy (10 percent of anhydrous ethanol blended to gasoline) to contribute to reduce transport pollution in major cities. In order to have ethanol, China may invest more in the country to produce ethanol from cane and from cellulosic sources. Instead of importing oil, substitute part of its imports and consumption towards ethanol, bringing a clean fuel to the country to be blended with gasoline. China can also develop second generation ethanol to be used and generate jobs and invest in producing ethanol in some African countries and even invest in ethanol production in Brazil and import to China. Research limitations/implications - The paper is a suggestion of policies, based on the experience of Brazil. Further debate should be done to deepen the analysis of all possible points listed. It is based on a case study of one industry. Practical implications - There is a preliminary suggestion of policies and strategies for the Chinese Government, together with possible partnership models and benefits to society. Social implications - China can reduce dependencies on oil and on some unstable environments; generate jobs and employment; increase relationship with Brazil and African nations, which will be future suppliers of food also to China; reduce pollution in large cities, improving the quality of the air; possibilities of international investments for Chinese people and companies, making profits outside China and repatriating this resources and contribution to mitigate climate change over the world. Originality/value - The paper brings to Chinese community information about one of the most competitive bioenergy programs on the world and suggests possible ways of partnering towards sustainable development.

Impact of climate change on citrus growing

In recent years, several reputable organizations have warned about the risks of climate change to world agriculture. Things are no different in the citrus sector. Data from the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) show that there has been a gradual increase in average temperature in several Brazilian states. The comparison is obvious when comparing the averages between two 30-year periods, i.e. from 1930 to 1960, in relation to the numbers obtained in the measurements from 1960 to 1990. Although the curve has remained the same, one can clearly see that the state of Sao Paulo is warmer. In some regions, such as Limeira and Sao Jose do Rio Preto, the numbers obtained between 1995 and 2009 indicate that the temperature is, on average, about two degrees Celsius higher than the historical average (Figure 6).

Breakdown of the price of orange juice on the retail market

In order to give a breakdown of the costs incurred on orange juice up to the purchase thereof by the end consumer, this topic is dedicated to the breakdown of the price starting with the final sale value as reconstituted juice on the shelves of retailers in Germany, the biggest consumer of Brazilian FCOJ, and ending with the residual value that would cover orange production costs and profit margins of growers and industries in Brazil. Some factors, such as poorly accessible data and differences in legislation, prevented a broader analysis of the European market, which accounted for 71% of Brazilian FCOJ exported in 2009.

Um método para previsão de vendas cumulativas por intervalo em promoções de bens de consumo

Prever e monitorar a evolucao das vendas promocionais e uma preocupacao gerencial. Na busca da otimizacao entre oportunidades e recursos, a previsao de resultados de vendas de promocoes pode ser realizada por metodologias cumulativas. Neste estudo, propoe-se um metodo de previsao de vendas por intervalo baseado em dados parcialmente acumulados, partindo da premissa de que existe um comportamento-padrao de difusao entre promocoes. O metodo foi aplicado em uma empresa de bens de consumo, buscando prever as vendas trissemanais de nove promocoes em funcao da venda diaria acumulada. As principais conclusoes indicam que o metodo apresenta facilidade de implementacao e acuracia considerada aceitavel pelos gestores ante parâmetros preestabelecidos, validando o metodo como um auxilio a tomada de decisoes em marketing. Os resultados indicam que, no caso estudado, a acuracia do metodo esta ligada ao acumulo de dados, e que, apesar de estatisticamente nao ser aceitavel que a variacao ex ante seja a mesma variacao ex post, se podem realizar previsoes por intervalo com razoavel aceitacao sob o enfoque gerencial.