The Pecan Nut in Mexico: Characteristics of Commercial Supply and Consumers Preferences

With production of 80,000 tons of pecan nuts per year, Mexico is the second largest producer behind the United States. As 45% of production is exported, there is an ample supply and a wide variety of product formats in the domestic market. The aim of this study was to determine the current commercial supply and to know Mexican consumer's preferences for the pecan nut. To reach these objectives, two sources of information were used. First, we analyzed 23 retail establishments located in Hermosillo (Mexico) during September and October 2009. Information was collected about brands, formats, packaging, origin and price. We found 17 brands in the market including in-shell and shelled pecans. The majority of the product (91%) came from domestic producers, with the remainder from the United States. Some 40% of the pecans were packed in plastic bags, 30% in protected atmospheres and 15% were wrapped with plastic. Second, from a survey of consumers, we analyzed consumers' purchasing and consumption behaviour, knowledge and attitudes towards the pecan nut. We analyzed the preferences using a choice experiment.