Brazilian craft breweries and internationalization in the born global perspective

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to analyze how the internationalization process of Brazilian microbreweries takes
place, especially in factors of propensity to internationalization, competition and survival in the national and
international market.
Design/methodology/approach –The authors adopted qualitative approach research, using a multiple case
study strategy, analyzing seven Brazilian craft breweries. The authors developed this study through
documentary research, semi-structured interviews and nonparticipant observation.
Findings – The research findings made it possible to characterize the internationalization process motivated
by the background and international experience of entrepreneurs that adopted different strategies for
expansion in the international market. The authors noticed that the networks developed in production
partnerships, festivals and international missions represent an increase in the ease of internationalization and
helps to reduce the risk perception.
Research limitations/implications – The contributions refer to the conjecture that the born global’s
evolution related to the high competitiveness of the market is influenced by the international background of the
founders and by the influence of the international network, overcoming institutional and market challenges in
emerging countries, assuming risks associated with rapid and early entry into the international arena.
Practical implications – The paper is potentially useful for managerial practice and policymakers by
providing insights into the characteristics of entrepreneurs and companies considering their propensity to
internationalize, presenting how entrepreneurs and managers can seek resources and develop their skills and
capacities to manage such companies and processes of internationalization.

Originality/value – The research is presented as a complementary study to the limited number of studies
examining born globals from emerging markets, also challenging the arguments of the dominant theory
regarding gradual and nonlinear internationalization