Production and commercialization of bacanora: An economic opportunity for Sonora, Mexico?

Abstract

This dissertation examines the opportunities and constraints surrounding the production and commercialization of bacanora, which is analyzed as an economic alternative for Sonora, in the context of a new legal and economic environment that forces farmers to become competitive and efficient. It integrates many topics related to the knowledge of Agave angustifolia and other Agavaceae and the study of several distillates from agaves, contributing to the emergence and development of the bacanora industry in Sonora, Mexico. The economy of small-scale bacanora producers in the sierras is analyzed. Cost and return estimates for the activity show the relative profitability of bacanora making. Subsequent analyses of marketing strategies indicate that serrana producers have potential in bacanora production by adopting or adapting different technologies and marketing schemes. The new institutional frame will increase competition among producers, which in turn will put greater pressures on agave populations. Therefore, more research on domestication of agave is required to find sustainable solutions to avoid overexplcitation of the resource. The major outlet for increased bacanora production is the international market, especially the United States. However, regional and national markets might provide an important group of consumers, as derived from the study of the tequila and mescal industries.