The role of meso-institutions in complying with European legislation: analysis of the coffee supply chain in Brazil and Colombia

This study explores how meso-institutional configurations shape coordination mechanisms that enable compliance with the European Union Deforestation-Free Regulation within the coffee supply chains of Brazil and Colombia. Using an institutional economics framework and a qualitative design, the study uses semi-structured interviews and institutional documents to assess how meso-institutions translate, monitor, and adapt to regulatory norms. Results show that Colombia, through the coordination of the National Federation of Coffee Growers, presents a more integrated pattern of regulatory compliance supported by legitimacy and information dissemination. Brazil operates under a decentralized structure where meso-institutions, including CECAFE and cooperatives, promote compliance through diverse, locally adapted strategies. Technological and organizational innovations emerged as an outcome of the process, with institutions deploying digital traceability platforms, georeferencing systems, and capacity-building initiatives. The findings underscore that different institutional paths can support regulatory compliance when aligned with historical governance structures. The analysis indicates that the way meso-institutions structure rule translation, information coordination, and uncertainty reduction shapes the emergence of these arrangements as adaptive responses to European regularion requirements rather than as analytically distinct types of innovation.