Production process of artisanal cheese companies in the Ríos de Tabasco region

Abstract

Los Rios is one of the five productive region of Tabasco, Mexico, where cattle ranching is the main economic activity; and cheese making is the main transformation activity. The objective was to know the productive process of the artisan cheese companies located in this region. The Information was collected through a questionnaire related to process design, production and distribution of products. The cheese factories in Rios region are micro family businesses with private capital investment. Its production focuses of the production of local production consumer products, mainly pore cheese. Although there is an association, companies work individually and do not have documented or standardized processes. Production is distributed to local markets; very few at the national level and none at the international level. The Mexican government has supported development through laws and events. However, companies must define the characteristics of their products, from raw material to distribution. Similarly, it is essential to improve the processes involving safety, packaging, conservation conditions, standardization and documentation of processes.