This article, a comparison of the structure of the Brazilian and German coffee chains, aims to clarify why Gerwmany is the a leading coffee exportes (mainly with regard to industrizalized items such as roasted beans and ground, instant and decaffeinated products) despite its not being a coffee producer comparable to Brazil. The theoretical base rests on the principal coordination frameworks, specifically supply chain management, netchain, networks and strictly coordinated subsystems. The methodology employed combines documental research and content analysis as proposed by Bardin (2000), which led to the creation of twelve criteria. Using these criteria facilitated the generation of a comparative analysis chart, presented when the data are analyzed and conclusions draw regarding the Brazilian and German coffee chains. The study concludes that the two major reasons underlying the success of Germany are the robust market strategies of its firms and the strong institucional guidelines governing their activities.
Agroindustrial systems; Coordination framework; Brazil; Germany; Coffee
