From seed to the world

: the internationalization of Sugal

Abstract

The following dissertation chronicles the internationalization of Sugal, one of the biggest
tomato processing companies in the world, and the factors that led to its continued growth and
prosperity in the global market.
Using a case study format, the dissertation describes the current landscape of the tomato
processing industry and situates Sugal in it, explaining how the company grew through a
strong focus on structural investments and development of resources and capabilities, full
integration of its production, efficiency maximization, gradual scaling and seizing of
opportunities in the international market at the best time possible.
Additionally, we look towards the future of the industry and assess how shifting consumer
patterns, emerging new markets and the potential weakening of the Chinese and Californian industries can impact Sugal. Also presented are the production forecasts for the countries where the company currently operates in and some new locations that offer great potential for a possible Sugal expansion down the line.

Date of Award	25 Oct 2022
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Ricardo Reis (Supervisor)