Localized Agri-Food Systems of Craft Beer from San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina

Abstract

In a context of global expansion of craft beers, Bariloche stands as one of the largest and most important production complexes in Argentina. Following the analytical-methodological approach SIAL, the article examines, based on first survey of the sector, the history of the product in the territory, the local value chain, its advantages and main restrictions (quality waters, hops from region, limited access to bottles and barrels, etc.), entrepreneurs profile, public and private actors linked to the complex, and main product, process and marketing innovations introduced. Possibilities of product certification are also analyzed. Despite the heterogeneity —mainly in scale production—, the complex is characterized by its dynamism, recent expansion, and the presence of highly qualified and innovative producers (all men). Potential of sector development and consolidation can be greater if progress is made in greater synergies between actors designing public policies of financial support or fiscal incentives to solve effluent problems, sustain and/or enhance knowledge and technology transfers, collective input purchases or to make progress in the process of malting, the only productive stage to be developed in the region for product certification of origin.