Greek wine firms: determinants of export performance

Although extensive research on the importance of the determinant factors of export performance exists, only a few studies on the wine sector have been conducted. The present study examines the export performance determinants of Greek wine firms. Primary data were collected from Greek wine exporters through a mail survey. A combination of exploratory, confirmatory, and path analyses were employed. Factors that were either similar or dissimilar to existing knowledge appear to be important for success in the wine sector. The main success dimensions, in ascending order of importance, include (a) aspects of export competitive advantage (e.g., firm export competence, export channel knowledge, product adaptation, competitive price, and distributor support), (b) environmental factors (e.g., hostility and price competition), and channel relationship antecedents (e.g., information exchange and cooperation). Implications of the findings are discussed.