MARKET AND LOCALIZED AGRI-FOOD SYSTEM OF HEBRA CHEESE IN VEGA DE ALATORRE, VERACRUZ, MEXICO

Abstract

The objective was to determine the market structure and marketing channels for strand cheese in the municipality of Vega de Alatorre, Veracruz from the Localized Agri-Food Systems (SIAL) approach. Official statistics, key informants, livestock producers and processors were consulted. The agents that participate in the chain in the market structure are suppliers, ranchers, gatherers, cheesemakers, merchants and final consumers in five marketing channels that present asymmetric information, oligopolistic practices, lacking collective action for a territorial identification of said cheese as well as quality-territory relationship that limits the implementation of a SIAL in said municipality; despite being an activity of productive and socioeconomic importance with a strong social component that anchors this activity to the territory.