Paper info

The Development of Relationships in the UK Organic Food Sector.

Ian Wycherley

The paper was published at the 16th IMP-conference in Bath, U.K in 2000.

This paper explores the relationships between companies operating in the rapidly expandingUK organic food industry. Interview data show that the relationships within a network ofsmaller, pioneer organic-based companies have evolved on the basis of similar ethical values.These organisations often consider their knowledge of where to source organic products asbeing a source of competitive advantage. This network is now being challenged by the entryof larger companies into the market, operating from established positions in conventionalfood. This group is shown to demonstrate more management competence in buildingrelationships. One example of this is the organic sourcing club for suppliers, run by JSainsbury. The paper concludes by suggesting that the development of relationships betweennew organic suppliers and the multiple retailers will show a tendency towards partnerships.