Introduction

Abstract

In June 1997 SMEA (School of Business Administration for the agri-food system) and the Department of Agri-Food Economics of the Catholic University organized a conference on the theme “Vertical Relationships and Coordination in the Food System” which was held in Piacenza, in Italy. The papers published in this volume are revised and edited versions of those presented at the conference. They reflect several topic aspects such as the main factors at work in determining the shape and nature of the vertical relationships in the food system, the determinants of vertical co-ordination and competition, types and mechanisms of co-ordination, case-studies of coordination in sub-sectors as well as the consequences for competitiveness, consumer welfare and policy implications.