CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES IN SUPPLIER MANAGEMENT IN AMAZONIAN CONTEXTS: A CASE STUDY IN APOENA AGROINDUSTRY

Abstract

The study was conducted in the municipality of Tefé (Amazonas), using the Apoena agro-industry — a regional benchmark in sustainable practices — as its unit of analysis. A qualitative, exploratory approach was adopted, with a case study design. Data collection included a semi-structured interview with a staff member from the administrative area directly involved in supplier management, as well as direct observations and document analysis. The data analysis followed content analysis procedures, allowing for the categorization and interpretation of information in light of the proposed objectives. The results indicate that the main challenges in supplier management are related to poor logistics, geographical isolation, production seasonality, producer informality, and cultural resistance to change. It was observed that the company establishes trust-based relationships but still faces limitations in supply planning and process standardization.It is concluded that, despite regional adversities, strategies that value small producers, expand the supplier base, and strengthen institutional structures may promote greater stability and efficiency. The study also highlights the need for future research to explore in depth the factors that sustain informality and resistance behaviors among suppliers, contributing to the improvement of the Amazonian supply chain.