Exploring the antecedents of export competitive advantage of Greek yogurt firms

Abstract

The factors that drive firm export performance have been studied extensively by international scholars. However, less attention has been given to the antecedents of competitive advantage and to firms’ capabilities and resources necessary for the development of competitive advantage in export markets. In this study a resource-based view of agricultural firms engaged in exporting activities was used to determine the export competitive advantage of Greek yogurt firms. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire that was mailed to 137 Greek yogurt firms, providing an overall response rate of 75.9 percent. Data were analyzed through a series of multivariate methods, namely exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. Results indicate that the availability of financial and organizational resources, along with experience and production process capabilities are key antecedents of competitive advantage leading to success in export markets.