Territory, Cluster and Competitiveness of the Intensive Horticulture in Almería (Spain)

Abstract

Almería is Spain’s leading area for the production and exportation of vegetables. In this province we can find the largest area of greenhouses in the world, around which a major agroindustrial cluster has arisen. The present study follows a holistic approach to analyse its development and the modification of its sources of advantage. For this purpose, Porter’s theoretical and analytical framework is considered. The particular natural resources of the territory were fundamental in the growth of this sector in the 1970’s, allowing it to achieve absolute comparative advantages. Nowadays, the agroindustrial cluster that has built up around the greenhouse industry has enhanced the competitiveness of the sector by generating systemic and dynamic competitive advantages.