The results of this study support the idea that lean manufacturing practices help food
processing SMEs to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. However,
sector-specific barriers make it difficult for food processing companies to fully
implement lean manufacturing practices and realize desired results. The success of
lean manufacturing practices critically depends on employee participation, proper
training and the commitment from top management. It is also important to note the
influence of control variables (such as size of the company and the country of origin) in
the use of and benefits from lean manufacturing practices. This paper has practical
implications for managers as it provides an overview of potential barriers to lean
manufacturing in food processing SMEs. One of the limitations of this study is that it
only covers a small sample of food companies in Europe. However, this study offers a
starting point for more empirical research in this area, which is necessary considering
the importance of the food sector in the coming years. Future research would focus on a
broader range of food companies across Europe to validate the findings