Technological modernization and innovation of traditional agri‐food companies based on ICT solutions—The Portuguese case study

Abstract

This paper assesses the potential for technological modernization and innovation based on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in traditional agri-food companies located in the central region of Portugal. A survey was applied to 50 agri-food companies of cereals, cheese, olive oil, dry sausages, honey, wine, and horticultural sectors. Results analysis show that companies use computers, have internet service, and use social networks for business purposes. However, most of it have no webpage, do not use internet for advertising/selling/buying products, and have not promoted collaborators’ ICT training. Companies expect webpages to improve their productivity and/or marketing products/services. Recommendations were provided to promote the use of ICT for business purposes. Webpages, Facebook pages, and CRM systems were developed to a limited set of companies. The results of the satisfaction survey of the ICT solution confirm the company sales increase due to the web visibility gained by the company products. Practical applications This paper assesses the potential for technological modernization and innovation based on ICT of Portuguese agri-food industrial companies. The ICT-based solutions developed were company webpages, Facebook pages, and customer relationship management software. The analysis and discussion of results provide an insight into the ICT solution that a specific company should follow to increase sales gains due to web visibility of company products.