Summary
This panel study from Catalonia (2015–2022) uses continuous difference-in-differences methodology to examine heterogeneous socio-economic impacts across nine food industry sectors, revealing substantial within-sector variation in employment outcomes. Other Food Products generated employment gains well above economy-wide averages, whilst Dairy Products showed significant negative effects. Value chain analysis identified upstream suppliers as generating substantial multiplier effects, and robustness checks confirmed this heterogeneity reflects structural sector differences rather than methodological artefacts.
Regional applicability
The study was conducted in Catalonia, Spain, and may have limited direct applicability to United Kingdom food industry policy, which operates under different regulatory frameworks, supply chain structures, and industrial consolidation patterns. However, the continuous difference-in-differences methodology and the finding that uniform industrial policies may be inadequate could inform United Kingdom food policy debate, particularly regarding differentiated support for distinct food subsectors.
Key measures
Employment changes by food industry sector; establishment growth intensity; value chain multiplier effects; export intensity; sector-specific socio-economic impacts across 64 industries
Outcomes reported
The study measured heterogeneous socio-economic impacts and employment effects across nine food industry sectors, examining how establishment growth intensity influenced employment outcomes differently by sector. Value chain multiplier effects and cross-sector transmission mechanisms were also analysed.
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