Globalized horticulture: the formation and global integration of export grape production in north east Brazil

In horticulture contemporary globalization is associated with (at least) two connected processes the concentration, centralization and expanding reach of global retailers and the emergence of numerous new sites of export horticulture specializing in fresh fruit and vegetable production aimed at metropolitan markets. Whilst there have been numerous studies about developmental impacts, conditions of labour, and producers' upgrading strategies within this new context, few studies give much, if any, space to explaining and analyzing the processes through which these new regions have come into being. This article provides a detailed account of the emergence and global integration of one of these new sites the São Francisco valley grape branch in North East Brazil, within the context of the wider regional fruiticulture sector. It focuses on state activities and incentives, the provenance of grape producers and their organizations, and grape branch composition.