The aim of this study is to explore efficiency and its determinants in the agro-food industry in Samsun Province, Turkey. Using data collected from 49 firms, the data envelopment analysis method was used to estimate efficiency measures. The results of efficiency analysis reveal that the mean technical, allocative, and cost efficiencies are 0.90, 0.89, and 0.81, respectively. However, the results indicate that the inefficient firms would have had to lower costs by 19% to perform as well as other similar firms. Having a brand, applying marketing strategies, and establishing cooperation positively influence on the economic efficiency. However, there is a negative relationship between capacity use ratio and the efficiency. To enhance the efficiency in the agro-food industry, decision makers should focus on sound management, preventing unproductive investments and overcapacity, encouraging trademarking, market research, and ensuring cooperation among the agro-food firms.