BOUHADDOU, Meriem Bouchra2026-02-092025-10-18http://dspace.ensa.dz/handle/123456789/4038Citrus cultivation holds a historical and strategic position in Algerian agriculture, supported by favorable pedoclimatic conditions and a growing production that reached more than 1.6 million tons in 2022. However, this sector remains characterized by weak integration with the processing industry. Despite increasing national production, juice companies continue to rely on imported concentrates, mainly from Brazil and Spain. This paradox reveals a lack of local valorization and raises the question of the underlying logic guiding the sourcing choices of orange juice companies. The present study addresses this issue through a case study of NCA Rouiba, a major player in the beverage sector. The methodology combined a literature review, statistical analysis, and an interview with NCA Rouiba. This triangulation allowed for the identification of the criteria structuring sourcing decisions. The findings show that these decisions are mainly based on: variety—since not all oranges are suitable for processing; quality—measured by Brix degree, acidity, and sanitary standards; availability of sufficient volumes; cost—considered not only as purchase price but also as total cost of ownership; and the management of agricultural and investment risks. From the company’s perspective, these criteria explain the preference for imported concentrates, perceived as more reliable, standardized, and competitive. Nevertheless, national data confirm that local volumes exist and could cover part of industrial demand. This gap reflects structural barriers: weak producer organization, absence of contractual frameworks, mistrust among actors, and reluctance of firms toward vertical integration. This research highlights a double paradox: on one hand, an underutilized local agricultural potential, and on the other, a strong industrial downstream still dependent on external supply. It contributes to a better understanding of the rational logics behind companies’ sourcing strategies. The results suggest that developing effective coordination mechanisms between producers and processors—through agricultural contracts and vertical integration—constitutes a key lever to reduce import dependency and strengthen the competitiveness of the citrus value chain in Algeria.enCitrus value chainorange juiceprocessing industrysourcingagricultural contractingvertical integrationimported concentrateThesis