Desempenho Econômico de Empresas Produtoras de Polpa de Frutas do Estado do Ceará

This study aims to characterize and evaluate the economic performance of 12 micro and small firms of fruit pulp belonging to Ceará Association of Pulp Producers (ASSIPOLPA). The micro and small firms investigated in this study were located in the metropolitan region of Fortaleza and the municipalities of Russas, Baturité and Maranguape. The primary data were gathered through questionnaire application in the study area. In the course of investigation, we evaluated qualitatively the firms’ profile and the problems faced in this activity. After that, we studied the overall profile of the firms. We also addressed the firms’ profitability concerning the gross revenue, net revenue and rate of capital return. The results showed that entrepreneurs are well educated, experienced in the sector, receptive to learn management skills. They pointed out the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) as the main important source of technical information. The main problems faced by producers were: high prices of packing, low quality and high price of the raw material, clandestine competitive firms and lack of credit. We conclude that a higher efficiency of the sector can be achieved by developing a better relationship with suppliers to improve selection, augment the quality of the raw material and set a more regular period of delivery. The business of pulps is relatively new, being located mostly close to the main consuming market, that is Fortaleza, the capital city, which has defined prices, especially due to the costs and expected markups. The firms that presented larger profitability were those that kept a good relationship with suppliers, maintained good quality of the raw material and effi-ciently ran in the plant full capacity. On the other hand, the less lucrative firms need to improve the quality of their products, operate more efficiently to avoid the plant idleness, and reduce expenses with packing and labor.Tem como proposta caracterizar e avaliar o desempenho econômico de doze micro e pequenas empresas de polpa de frutas. Utiliza dados de natureza primária obtidos através de pesquisa direta junto aos empresários. Faz a avaliação qualitativa do perfil desses empresários e levanta as principais dificuldades enfrentadas na atividade. Em seguida, estuda o perfil das empresas. Analisa também a rentabilidade das empresas em termos de faturamento bruto, renda líquida, lucro e taxa de remuneração de capital. Conclui que apresentaram maior lucratividade as empresas que detêm um bom relacionamento com fornecedores, têm boa qualidade da matéria-prima e operam eficientemente, usando toda a capacidade produtiva. Enquanto isso, as empresas menos lucrativas precisam melhorar a qualidade de seus produtos, operar de forma mais eficiente para evitar a ociosidade das máquinas e equipamentos, como também reduzir despesas, principalmente com embalagens e mão-de-obra