Journal of Co-operative Studies, 36(3), 190-213

Abstract

The current distribution and demand in the European food market implies a greater protagonism of co-operatives in farming centres in terms of growth, profitability or value added. This fact, together with the characteristic economic risk of the agricultural market, is leading to changes in strategic management of marketing co-operatives in sectors such as fresh fruit and vegetables. Taking a sample of horticultural co-operatives from Andalusia (Spain) as reference, this paper carries out a comparative analysis contrasting economic and financial indicators. The results obtained reveal the incidence of the aforementioned factors in the activity of co-operatives, showing different tendencies to those traditionally conceived (social economy), and in their contribution to the competitiveness of the sector.