The thesis studies the adoption of particular practices such as product standardization, supplier relationship and information exchange in Mexican avocado industry. Adopting these practices, avocado producers, packers and buyers can deal with challenges enhancing product quality, creating reliable supply, and improving coordination between members. However, adopting such practices is not an automatic process. Uncertainties related to payment fulfilment of product, prices, demand, and safeguarding investment can disincentive adoption of these practices. Contractual arrangements have allowed presence of these practices. So, the present thesis responds, what type of contractual arrangements are used by Mexican producers and packers, what characteristics present these contract arrangements, and how these characteristics incentive adoption of the practices.
A case study and a survey were carried out among avocado producers and packers in the most important avocado region in Mexico and in the world, Michoacan. The results confirm the relevant role of contractual arrangements explaining adoption of supply chain practices.
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