MARGINS OF SHEEP MEAT MARKETING IN CAPULHUAC, STATE OF MEXICO

Abstract

The objective of this investigation was to identify the channels and analyze the incorporation of the marketing margins of different participants in the productive chain of sheep meat in the municipality of Capulhuac, State of Mexico, during the period 2009-2010. The marketing channel most widely used by the participants of this market was identified, and absolute and relative profit margins were calculated through their equivalent values of the costs and profits of each participating actor. Of the 31 sheep farms or producers interviewed, 58.3 % carried out the sale of live sheep at farm. Considering the absolute margin of marketing in the final price to the consumer per kg of raw meat, the producer obtained 2 USD/kg (40 %) and the intermediaries 3 USD/kg (60 %). Profit in selling cooked final product (barbacoa typical dish), was obtained 4.5 USD/kg (25.7 %) for the producers and 13 USD/kg (74.3 %) for intermediaries. Evidence was found that the most common marketing channel was producer, intermediary, barbacoa seller and final consumer, in which the barbacoa seller obtained the highest benefit-cost ratio.