The effect of a crisis context on French wine exports: Comparison of independent wineries and wine cooperatives
Résumé
In this paper, we aim at assessing the effects of the 2019-2020 context (Covid 19, Brexit, Trump Taxes) on exporting activities of wine companies, distinguishing independent wine growers and cooperatives cellars. We rely on a survey carried out on French exporting wine companies. Our empirical investigation is based on a qualitative approach through the combination of a collection of secondary data and the results of a questionnaire survey conducted among 21 French exporting companies. On a theoretical level, we adopt the institutional approach often used in the field of international business, supplemented by recent work on the effects of disturbances in the institutional context and crisis management. Five main results were obtained: (1) effects that were generally mastered by both independent wine growers and cooperative cellars; (2) additional pressure on exports from the domestic market; (3) contrasting effects of changes in the institutional environment, with marked importance for disruptions due to the health crisis; (4) significant and differentiated adaptations of companies, and finally, (5) a distinct resilience according to territorial roots and export strategies with marked differences between independent wine growers and wine cooperatives.