Multi-criteria prioritization of production capacities in small and medium-sized agrifood enterprises: the importance of nutritional analysis

Abstract

This research focuses on prioritizing productive capacities that enable improved performance of agri-food SMEs in lagging areas of the Coquimbo Region of Chile. A face-to-face questionnaire was developed to gather preliminary information and characterize SMEs (n=56), the study used the AHP methodology to examine and prioritize criteria for improving performance in SMEs. The results indicate that the highest priority production capacity is the nutritional (physical-chemical) analysis of products, for the purposes of analysis, the products were identified by group: goat dairy products, dehydrated products, products such as honey and syrups, preserves and baked goods, analysis with their respective (p<0.05) according to Fisher's LSD test. In conclusion, it is important to continue supporting both the SMEs studied and the lagging territory, the AHP methodology is relevant for prioritizing production capacities, and having nutritional analysis of products allows for the development of nutritional labeling that enables compliance with regulations and entry into more informed consumer markets.