FACTORS LINKED TO COMPETITIVENESS OF THE TARO SUPPLY CHAIN IN VERACRUZ, MEXICO

The competitiveness of any agricultural product depends on the efficiency of the supply chain. Until now, the competitiveness factors of the taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) supply chain have remained undetermined. The issue in terms of research lies in the lack of studies concerning taro supply chain competitiveness and associated factors. The objective was to determine the factors associated with the competitiveness of the taro supply chain and define a competitiveness model. Competitiveness was assessed, based on three key factors: production management (PM), administrative management (AM) and business performance (BP). A questionnaire was applied to 47 people involved in the supply chain. We found a significant relationship between the discerned factors and variables. The variables related to competitiveness were: proximity to importing countries and ability to obtain high yields. PM (0.845**), AM (0.756**) and BP (0.717**) manifested highly significant correlation (P < 0.05, two-sided). The overall competitiveness value for the taro supply chain was 6.3. The factors that contribute most to competitiveness are non-economic, such as production capacity, demand estimate, flexibility and sales planning. Economic factors, totally beyond the control of chain agents include: production costs, distribution and international prices. We concluded that three factors involved in the taro supply chain accord it competitive advantage.