Combining cluster and value chain approaches to analyze the competitiveness of fresh vegetables producers: case studies in Germany, Italy and Spain

European producers of fresh vegetables are under pressure to improve their performance for increasing their competitiveness. Innovative products and processes and competitive advantage can be gained by the creation and use of unique resources as an outcome of cooperation between producers and complementing actors in local clusters. However, locally clustered producers do not sell to open markets but need access to value chains governed by lead firms – the big European retail chains, who decide about rules and conditions of participation. The study claims the necessity to combine aspects from cluster theory with ideas from global value chain approach to discover elements in European fresh vegetables business that could enable local producers to gain competitive advantages in the global market. The study presents results from a multiple case-study analysis involving three different European fresh vegetables producing regions in Germany, Italy and Spain, respectively. In-depth interviews with practitioners from the respective fresh vegetables business revealed interesting changes in organization of business relationships in the European fresh vegetables sector.