The Structure of Production in the Norwegian Fish-Processing Industry: An Empirical Multi-Output Cost Analysis Using a Hybrid Translog Functional Form

An empirical analysis of production structure in the Norwegian fish-processing industry is undertaken, based on data for the period 1985–90. This industry processes raw materials into fresh, frozen, salted and dried fish products. Two technologies coexist in the industry. Producer behaviour is represented by a multi-output variable, or restricted cost function for each technology. The hybrid translog functional form is adopted for estimation, as this form can be evaluated even if some of the output values are zero. Results from the empirical analysis provide important information for the restructuring currently taking place in the industry. Copyright Kluwer Academic Publishers 1997