Changes in the internationalization strategies of ethanol producers: a multiple case study in the Brazilian sugarcane industry

Author(s)

Marina Carrilho Soares

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Economia, Administração e Contabilidade (FEA/SBD)
• Defense date: 2011-05-23

Examining board members

Martinho Isnard Ribeiro de Almeida; Vivaldo José Breternitz; Moacir de Miranda Oliveira Júnior

• Advisor: Martinho Isnard Ribeiro de Almeida

Abstract

The world economy has gone through successive transformations toward the internationalization of production and markets, in a movement characterized by the increase in the interdependence among countries. Besides globalization, another issue that has received attention nowadays is the world\'s energy matrix, based heavily on fossil fuels. Considering the need to rethink the current energy sources, has discussed the development of the international ethanol market, with the participation of Brazilian exports and positive growth prospects. The international market for ethanol, however, has showed great turbulences, regarding both the demand and the supply levels. Considering this context, the problem defined for this research is the way in which ethanol producers in Brazil had restructured their internationalization strategies in order to adapt to their organizational environment. To study this phenomenon, the author chose to conduct a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory research, using the method of multiple case studies in the sector during the decade from 2000 to 2010. The cases selected were the companies Cosan and Açúcar Guarani, in view of their relevance to the industry in terms of sales of its division of ethanol and the presence of international activity. It was found that the internationalization of cases is still not considered mature since firms base their entry modes in other countries on exports, so that does not involve the commitment of significant resources in foreign countries. This is due to the fact that Brazil has a domestic market that absorbs most of the production as well as the lack of maturity in the international market today. Although the segment still presents an opportunistic profile, the major industry groups have directed efforts to strengthen partnerships with other competitors, which make it possible for them to expand its international participation in the long term. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 08/07802-7 - THE INTERNATIONALIZATION OF THE BRAZILIAN SUGAR-CANE INDUSTRY THROUGH THE STRATEGIES OF THE BORN GLOBAL COMPANIES
• Grantee: Marina Carrilho Soares
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master