The impact of supply chain integration practices on competitive advantage: A study of food and beverage manufacturing firms in Kenya

Purpose: This study aims to establish the relationship between supply chain integration practices and competitive advantage in Kenyan food and beverage manufacturing firms. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey design was employed. Data was collected from 146 respondents across 73 firms using structured and unstructured questionnaires. Linear regression analysis was conducted using SPSS version 28. Results: The study found positive significant correlations between functional integration, supplier integration, customer integration, and technology integration with competitive advantage of the sampled firms. Theoretical contribution: This research extends the application of systems theory, resource-based view, social exchange theory, and relational exchange theory to supply chain integration in an emerging market context. Practical implications: Food and beverage manufacturers in Kenya can enhance their competitive advantage by strategically implementing supply chain integration practices across functional, supplier, customer, and technological domains.