Abstract

In the present work structural changes, growth and convergence of the Food Industry were examined using the neoclassic model. The research consisted in a non parametric approach using the per capita value added as a proxy variable of productivity and the capital to labour ratio as an indicator of structural change affecting the productivity value. These indicators, computed for the period 1970-90 were used to elaborate graphically the trajectories of development. Ireland, Belgium, Italy and France combined higher productivity and higher investments and with the exception of Ireland the other countries showed a tendency to converge. The productivity of Finland and Netherlands was on the average with higher investments while Denmark, Sweden, Austria and United Kingdom obtained similar productivity values with lower investments. Germany obtained higher productivity with respect to the investments and also Spain, beside at a lower level obtained considerable productivity results.