Agri-food market concentration: measurement, archetypes, causal patterns and implications
When:
—
Venue:
Online
We are pleased to announce the 4th Seminar Series on Governance, Institutions, and Sustainability jointly hosted by the Centre for Political Economy and Institutional Studies (CPEIS) and by the Birkbeck Responsible Business Centre, within the Birkbeck Business School.
In our rapidly evolving world, the intricate web connecting governance, institutions, and sustainability has become increasingly prominent. We invite scholars, researchers, and practitioners to enhance this very important debate and to join us in exploring the profound intertwining of these critical elements at our upcoming seminar series.
Abstract
Market concentration in agrifood supply chains is a growing concern, yet the empirical evidence remains fragmented. This study combines a systematic review of 47 empirical studies (Scopus, 2000-2026) with new preliminary estimates of concentration. The review identifies three gaps: most studies examine a single supply chain segment (81%) or a single commodity (54%), and global-scope analyses are scarce. Using Euromonitor data (2016-2024) on twelve food security-relevant items and the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index, we find low global concentration for the aggregate basket, but substantially higher concentration for individual items and countries, especially in the Global South.
This research is co-authored with Dr Donatella Saccone (University of Pollenzo and OEET, Italy) and Jampel Dell'Angelo (VU University Amsterdam)
Speaker
Elena Vallino (University of Turin, Italy)
Elena Vallino is Associate Professor at the Department of Cultures, Politics and Society, University of Torino. Since 2010 she conducts research on natural resource management in the Global South, community participation, food security, sustainable transport, virtual water trade, and water scarcity. She has teaching experience in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Development Studies, Environmental and Ecological Economics. She conducted consultancies for the European Parliament Research Service on European policies on global value chains and climate action in developing countries. From 2018 to 2022 she has been the Secretary of the Italian Association for the Study of Comparative Economic Systems (AISSEC). She is the Director of the Turin Center on Emerging Economies (OEET) and of the Master Economic Analysis and Policy (EPOG-JM, Erasmus Mundus Joint Degree).
Convener/Organiser: Dr Luca Andriani
Contact name: Luca Andriani
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