Desempenho Econômico de Empresas Produtoras de Polpa de Frutas do Estado do Ceará

Abstract

This study aims to characterize and evaluate the economic performance of 12 micro and small firms of fruit pulp belonging to Ceará Association of Pulp Producers (ASSIPOLPA). The micro and small firms investigated in this study were located in the metropolitan region of Fortaleza and the municipalities of Russas, Baturité and Maranguape. The primary data were gathered through questionnaire application in the study area. In the course of investigation, we evaluated qualitatively the firms’ profile and the problems faced in this activity. After that, we studied the overall profile of the firms. We also addressed the firms’ profitability concerning the gross revenue, net revenue and rate of capital return. The results showed that entrepreneurs are well educated, experienced in the sector, receptive to learn management skills. They pointed out the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) as the main important source of technical information. The main problems faced by producers were: high prices of packing, low quality and high price of the raw material, clandestine competitive firms and lack of credit. We conclude that a higher efficiency of the sector can be achieved by developing a better relationship with suppliers to improve selection, augment the quality of the raw material and set a more regular period of delivery. The business of pulps is relatively new, being located mostly close to the main consuming market, that is Fortaleza, the capital city, which has defined prices, especially due to the costs and expected markups. The firms that presented larger profitability were those that kept a good relationship with suppliers, maintained good quality of the raw material and effi-ciently ran in the plant full capacity. On the other hand, the less lucrative firms need to improve the quality of their products, operate more efficiently to avoid the plant idleness, and reduce expenses with packing and labor.