The Quality Management in the Olive Oil SMEs: An Analysis in the Southern Italy.

The certified quality ensures full recognition from consumers and the firm competition in the market. The certification can be understood as a net of relationships along the supply chain able to guarantee a transparency of the product, in order to reduce the information asymmetries. The research focuses on the olive oil sector, excellence of Italian food market, through the viewpoint of small and medium firms of South Italy It aims to investigate the management mechanisms behind certified quality and firm choice to implement traceability systems or quality certification. The analysis is carried out through a logistic modelling. From the results the strategic factors in the management and recognition of the quality of oil products are outlined. The study aims to contribute to the analysis of management of quality products and their impact in a competitive market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]