The A2 milk as an upgrading strategy in the cattle global value chain in Brazil

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of the A2 milk as an upgrading strategy for milk producers in Brazil. The primary data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with eight strategic actors of the A2 milk chain in September and October 2021. Five producers, two researchers and one member of the movements called the #bebamaisleite. The study was led by the theoretical framework of global value chain, focusing on the upgrading dimension. A2 milk is an upgrading opportunity for producers, following a global trend of food premiumization. However, caution is needed for producers to enter this chain because the market is incipient, the costs are significant, and the financial return is uncertain. Otherwise, there will be a reproduction of the inequalities and bottlenecks which are present in the conventional dairy chain. It was found that the A2 milk chain is not intended to replace the conventional one, but it aims to capture vegetable beverages consumers.