A Descriptive Analysis of Food Retailing in Lebanon: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Survey of Food Retailers

Abstract

Food retail transformation and the expansion of modern food retailers (supermarketisation) may impact the agri-food system and actors along the value chain. This study utilizes a micro-level dataset to examine the food retail landscape and transformation in Lebanon, a highly-urbanised country; and differences in operations, marketing, and supply chain structures both across modern and traditional retailers and across urban and rural areas. Analysis reveals no definitive retail expansion pattern, and limited differences in operational and marketing profile between modern and traditional retailers. Urban retailers are larger employers than rural. Regarding supply chain, modern retailers are more likely than traditional to maintain contractual agreements with suppliers. Retailers make prompt payment regardless of classification, offering no indication of excess market power or eroding supplier livelihoods at the hands of modern retailers.