Bahia Blanca (Argentina): Empowering the food sector with the establishment of a new food cluster

Challenge(s)

How can port authorities optimise food production and logistic chains in port cities?

Good practice

Establish maritime clusters to maximise city/port competitiveness

The creation of maritime clusters requires the identification of the various fields of activity present at the proposed redevelopment site, along with public and private stakeholders. This process defines all of the stakeholders' shared economic and social interests, who will then strive to combine their efforts in research and development, communication, and international prospecting, amongst others. To this end, the Food Cluster, designed as part of the "Bahia Blanca Port Vision 2040", is intended to stimulate food exports, facilitate the growth of new companies, and encourage the development of digital technologies, efficient logistics, and inventive business models.

Case study

In 2018, the Bahía Blanca Port Management Consortium embraced the challenge of fostering the establishment of a significant Food Cluster, aligning with the development goals outlined in the “Bahia Blanca Port Vision 2040” and in line with a national strategy. The port authority of Bahia Blanca created the food cluster building in the existing agro-food sector in cooperation with Bolsa de Cereales (Grain Exchange of Bahía Blanca). In 2019, the Cluster was launched under the port authority’s jurisdiction to foster a competitive edge linking food production, research and logistics. 

The central objective of this Cluster is to boost food exports and stimulate innovation in management and business models across various industries. The consortium and the Grain Exchange aim to promote competitiveness in regional and national agro-industrial value chains, integrate digital technologies (Industry 4.0), improve logistics and marketing efficiency, and encourage innovative collaborations among businesses, research institutions, universities, and the public sector.

This collaborative effort yields various outcomes, including establishing a business incubator, specialised workforce training systems, technological education programs (E-TECH), and crowdfunding models for financing. Lastly, public policies and private investment projects that may impact the cluster region are monitored to seize opportunities and mitigate potential threats.

Additional information

Lanzamiento cluster alimentario (in Spanish) (Translated: Food cluster launch)

Bahia Blanca Port Vision 2040 (pdf)

Trade and Agriculture directorate committee for agriculture 2019 (pdf)