Competitiveness of Mexican vanilla (Vanilla spp.) in the international market

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the research was to analyze the competitiveness of Mexican vanilla in the international market.

Design/methodology/approach: The relative trade balance (BCR) and the revealed comparative advantage index (IVCR) were calculated to analyze the competitiveness of the Mexican vanilla market in the international market, both uncrushed and crushed vanilla were evaluated.

Results: The results show that in Mexico about 1% of the total vanilla area is harvested, obtaining 6% of the world production volume. The Mexican market is competitive in the international market for uncrushed or powdered vanilla, but it is not competitive in the case of crushed or powdered vanilla.

Limitations on study/implications: The SIAVI portal was discontinued and, therefore, the international vanilla trade data is up to November 2021.

Findings/conclusions: The Mexican market has potential for the development of vanilla production; however, the current production is practically absorbed by the local market.