Characterization of the supply of moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) in Mexico

Abstract

Objective: To characterize the Moringa oleifera Lam. offer system in Mexico.

Design / methodology / approach: Compilation and analysis of primary information sources, through interviews with producers and key informants who participate in the process of commercialization of products derived from moringa. In total, there were eight companies. To collect the information, the snowball chain sampling technique was used.

Results: All moringa producing companies analyzed started activities less than 10 years ago. The owners of the companies are small and medium producers, with an average of 6.5 ha, characterized by an organic management and constant training. The main products offered in the Mexican market are: the crushed leaf, flour and capsules, whose main market is the national one. On the other hand, it was detected that the producers in the market do not interact among each other, which generates asymmetry of information. In addition, the real inventory of the total number of producers and moringa producing companies in Mexico is unknown, which limits the characterization of production and benefit.

Limitations/implications: The producers are not so accessible in certain information; for example, regarding the sale prices of their products.

Findings/conclusions: Moringa is a multipurpose tree with great potential, a database of producers is unknown. The products offered are organic and healthy products. However, more research is needed on the commercialization of moringa in Mexico.