INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS OF AGRO-INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES IN THE CONTEXT OF ENSURING FOOD SECURITY

Abstract

The article examines the theoretical and applied aspects of the formation of international competitiveness of agro-industrial enterprises in the context of ensuring food security. It is substantiated that, under the conditions of globalization, high volatility of global agricultural markets, transformation of logistics chains, increasing competitive pressure, and growing foreign economic risks, competitiveness is determined not only by the scale of production but also by an enterprise’s ability to adapt its business model to changes in the international environment, ensure the sustainability of its operating activities, and efficiently utilize its available resource potential. The main areas of activity of Kernel Holding S.A. are characterized, including agricultural production, oilseed processing, grain trading, storage, logistics, and exports, and identifies the role of the vertically integrated business model in shaping the company’s competitive advantages from the perspective of food security. The enterprise’s production, resource, logistics, and export potential, the structure of production of major agricultural crops, and the geographical diversification of foreign sales markets are analyzed. Particular attention is paid to the scale of Kernel Holding S.A.’s international operations, with its products being sold in more than 80 countries worldwide, as well as to the importance of developed logistics infrastructure for maintaining the stability of export flows. The competitive environment of Ukraine’s agro-industrial sector is examined, and a comparative assessment of the competitive positions of Kernel Holding S.A., MHP, NIBULON, Astarta, IMC, and Cygnet is carried out using a system of key criteria, including export potential, logistics infrastructure, processing capacities, land bank size, international presence, financial stability, technological level of production, diversification of activities, investment attractiveness, and adaptability to crisis conditions. It is established that the strong competitive position of Kernel Holding S.A. is ensured by a comprehensive combination of significant production and processing capacities, a high level of international presence, diversified export geography, technological development, logistics autonomy, and the ability to respond rapidly to external challenges. It is substantiated that the further strengthening of the international competitiveness of agro-industrial enterprises should be associated with expanding the production of higher value-added products, deepening export diversification, introducing innovative and digital solutions, improving management efficiency, and enhancing resilience to macroeconomic and wartime risks.