Internationalization Strategies for the Food and Beverage Industry – The Network Model
Algayal, Jaber (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025112830659
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025112830659
Tiivistelmä
This thesis thoroughly examines the theoretical framework of the network model in the context of internationalization in food and beverage industry. The study was conducted to understand three main points: how companies identify the right partner in a selected market, how they evaluate their partner, and what the partnership evolution process is like. The study is delimited to the food and beverage industry. It focused solely on the partnership aspect of internationalization.
The literature review examined established theories of the network model in the context of internationalization. It reviewed classical models such as the Uppsala model, the eclectic paradigm, and the born globals. It also presented ideas on organizational relations, knowledge sharing, and network positioning. Throughout the literature, internationalization was shown to rely on the network model.
A qualitative research analysis was applied. The study used the case study method. The empirical data were collected through two methods: semi-structured interviews served as the primary source of data, supplemented by supporting data from secondary sources, including industry reports and company publications. The findings were then analysed using the thematic
analysis method.
The results showed that for food and beverage companies to expand into international markets, they would need to apply the principles of the network model. The industry relies heavily on networks. Partnerships are built to complement resources to achieve high level of growth, financially and in terms of competitiveness.
The literature review examined established theories of the network model in the context of internationalization. It reviewed classical models such as the Uppsala model, the eclectic paradigm, and the born globals. It also presented ideas on organizational relations, knowledge sharing, and network positioning. Throughout the literature, internationalization was shown to rely on the network model.
A qualitative research analysis was applied. The study used the case study method. The empirical data were collected through two methods: semi-structured interviews served as the primary source of data, supplemented by supporting data from secondary sources, including industry reports and company publications. The findings were then analysed using the thematic
analysis method.
The results showed that for food and beverage companies to expand into international markets, they would need to apply the principles of the network model. The industry relies heavily on networks. Partnerships are built to complement resources to achieve high level of growth, financially and in terms of competitiveness.