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Abstract
The present work aimed to evaluate the adjustments occurred
in the food sector of biscuit and pastry in Brazil, from 1995 to 2001, using the Structure-Conduct-Performance model of the Industrial Organization
theory. The results demonstrated that the new competitive environment,
started by the non-regulation in the sector and by the commercial openness,
allowed tougher competition and restrained the market power of the major
industries. Both segments had to adjust themselves to the demands of
the consumer in the market by improving the quality of their products,
furnishing a wider variety and reducing their costs. The whole process was
led by the major industries, which invested in technology and productive
capacity and, continually, increased their participation in the market.
Therefore, as a result of these adjustments, there has been an improvement
in the economic performance and a greater benefi t for society.