Geographic diversification strategy and the implications of global market integration in table grapes
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The geographic diversification mode for U.S. agribusinesses to establish an international presence is examined, using the example of table grapes. This study extends the analytical work on geographic diversification strategy in a firm-level application that considers how longer marketing seasons might affect early-season premium prices. The method draws on market integration tests from the industrial organization literature. The extent of market integration is examined using a probabilistic measure. Then, a simulation of profit incorporates the probability that markets are integrated. Tests on the market for table grapes indicate high probability that markets for domestic grapes and imports from Chile are not integrated (0.81 and 0.91). Long distances and the lack of overlap in production seasons play key roles in this finding. The simulation that makes operational the findings of limited integration suggests that geographic diversification is more profitable and of lower risk than production in California alone. [JEL Classification: Q130, Q170, F140] 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
