Purpose – The aim of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of growth processes of speciality food firms and how these processes influence the producers' perception of quality demands of the products. Design/methodology/approach – A case study approach was chosen covering four specialty food companies in Norway. This explorative study was conducted from the producer's perspective. Findings – Results show that, as part of growth processes, firms invest in different activities to strengthen the quality of their products to achieve distinctiveness in more competitive markets. The most important quality that contributes to distinctiveness and increased value seems to be traditional handicraft production processes. In some cases, expensive and time-consuming processes are invested in developing qualities that are not transformed into higher value in the market. Research limitations/implications – The number of cases is too small for statistical analysis, but this explorative case study may provide a basis for a survey of a larger sample of firms. Practical implications – The study indicates a need for companies to gain more knowledge about consumers' preferences and behaviour, and to develop product qualities and market communication accordingly. Originality/value – Research is scarce on obstacles to growth in specialty food firms. This study contributes important knowledge to enhance further development of the industry.

Tourism is a labour-intensive industry with the potential to contribute towards the creation of jobs and economic development in many rural areas. Innovation may be a driver of growth in tourism as well. However, there is a lack of empirical knowledge about innovation as a driver of growth in tourism, and its implications for a specific branch of tourism. The present study explores innovation and its characteristics in nature based tourism and the roles various actors can play in innovation processes. The empirical basis of the paper is a case study of sea-fishing tourism in Norway. The case includes a study of 12 suppliers of sea-fishing and accommodation, and a tour operator for such firms. The empirical findings show that product innovations were incremental, and cooperation between firms and a mediator was crucial in overcoming the step from innovation to diffusion. It is argued that innovation can be a crucial driver for establishing and renewing nature-based tourism firms. However, to give significant contribution to business activity and value added, diffusion of innovation is an important activity.

managers, our results highlight the importance of considering possible effects of relationships on the identity one would want to convey.

managers, our results highlight the importance of considering possible effects of relationships on the identity one would want to convey.

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