Acting under spatial restrictions: success factors of German local food-marketing networks

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to identify success variables for local food networks in Germany Design/methodology/approach - The approach takes the form of a written questionnaire sent to local food networks and statistical analysis to explain success indicators for networks Findings - The analysis shows that vertical penetration, i e the inclusion of many different sectors in the network, increases the success of the network in terms of turnover Another factor increasing the success of a network is whether small food enterprises like bakers or butchers are in charge of it. Research limitations/implications - There is a difficulty in identifying general success factors of networks with different objectives Originality/value - This is the first analysis integrating vertical integration and quantitative integration as success factors