Quesillo: a cultural and economic legacy in Oaxaca through the social and solidarity economy

1 Introduction

Quesillo, also known as Oaxaca cheese, is an artisanal product that originated in Reyes Etla and has expanded to other localities in the Central Valleys region of Oaxaca (Camacho-Vera et al., 2020). Its production has been transmitted from generation to generation, which has allowed the conservation of traditional techniques that are an integral part of the Oaxacan cultural identity. However, artisanal production faces significant challenges due to unfair competition from industrial cheeses that imitate its flavor and texture, which puts the economic viability of local producers at risk (Domínguez-López et al., 2011; Espejel-García et al., 2018). This situation has led many local producers to see their income diminished and face the difficulty of marketing their products in a market that increasingly values the artisanal less and less.

More strategies are needed to improve the quality and recognition of artisanal quesillo, contributing to this problem. Many consumers need to be made aware of the benefits of choosing authentic quesillo over its industrial counterparts, which limits sales opportunities and product valorization. Quesillo stands out for its meticulous production process and its focus on the quality of the ingredients, which gives it a unique flavor and aroma not found in industrial cheeses. The price difference also reflects this distinction: quesillo is more expensive due to its labor-intensive process and the superior quality of its ingredients, while industrial cheese is affordable but lacks the distinctive character offered by the artisanal product (see Table 1). In addition, the limited dissemination of information about artisanal production and its socioeconomic benefits has made it difficult for producers to obtain a fair price for their work (Espejel-García et al., 2018). Quesillo production also fosters job creation in other areas, such as transportation and marketing. As a product consumed locally and in broader markets, its production generates a value chain that benefits several sectors of the local economy (Patiño-Delgado et al., 2022). However, for this value chain to be sustainable, producers must receive support regarding training and access to fairer markets.

Table 1

Table 1. Key differences between artisan cheese and industrial cheese.

The social and solidarity economy is presented as a viable alternative to face these challenges. This model promotes cooperation and solidarity among producers, encouraging the creation of networks that allow them to improve their living conditions and strengthen their economic autonomy (Landaburú-Mendoza et al., 2024; Boadu et al., 2024). This model seeks to encourage the creation of cooperatives that allow them to join efforts and resources. By working together, producers can improve the quality of their products, reduce costs, and access larger markets.

Cooperatives would not only help improve the production and marketing of quesillo but would also empower communities. Producers can establish support networks through the social and solidarity economy that allow them to share knowledge and experiences, thus strengthening their capacity to compete in the market. In addition, this model promotes the inclusion of women and youth in quesillo production, which contributes to their empowerment and creates a more equitable economy (Boadu et al., 2024). Quesillo production thus becomes a tool for community development, as it generates income, preserves cultural traditions, and promotes environmental sustainability.

2 Quesillo in the local economy

Quesillo production contributes significantly to the local economy. According to recent data, Oaxaca cheese represents ~10% of total cheese production in Mexico, equivalent to about 40,778 tons per year (see Tables 2, 3; Agudelo-López et al., 2021; BM Editores, 2024). This production volume generates direct employment for cheesemakers and activates other economic sectors, such as transportation, wholesale, and gastronomic tourism. In communities where quesillo is produced, such as Reyes Etla, Nazareno Etla, and other towns in the Central Valleys, this artisanal cheese is a vital source of employment. Many families depend on the production and sale of quesillo as their primary source of income. This process involves the cheesemakers and creates employment opportunities for other community members. In a survey conducted by us in 2023 to quesillo producers in some regions of the Eteco Valley, we found that of 27 producers surveyed, 27% of them have been working in this family business for more than 10 years, and where more than 96.3% inherited from their parents the knowledge of how to prepare quesillo. 51.9% of the producers commented that they have a production of more than 200 L of cow's milk per day, which must be processed into the final product. From the milk collection to the final product's distribution, quesillo generates an ecosystem of work that benefits many people (see Table 4).

Table 2

Table 2. Industrial production of milk and dairy products 2018–2023 (1,000's of liters and tons; Cámara Nacional de Industriales de la Leche, 2024).

Table 3

Table 3. Industrial cheese production 2018–2023 (tons; Cámara Nacional de Industriales de la Leche, 2024).

Table 4

Table 4. Consumer prices (MXN) of dairy products (cheese) 2018–2023 (Cámara Nacional de Industriales de la Leche, 2024).

Cheesemakers often rely on the help of family members and neighbors, which reinforces social cohesion within the community. Young people often participate in the learning process, ensuring that production techniques are passed on from generation to generation (Villegas de Gante et al., 2014). This collaborative approach not only strengthens the local economy, but also fosters a sense of belonging and pride among producers. The artisanal production of quesillo encourages the sustainable use of natural resources. The region's pastures, used to feed cattle, are vital for the production of high-quality milk, which in turn translates into a quesillo that is superior in taste and texture. This approach not only benefits producers, but also promotes the conservation of the environment and local biodiversity.

Quesillo has begun to attract the interest of gastronomic tourism; visitors to Oaxaca seek to experience the state's rich culinary tradition, and quesillo is an essential component of this experience. Restaurants and local markets offer dishes that highlight this cheese, which not only promotes its consumption, but also benefits producers by increasing demand. This phenomenon has allowed quesillo-producing communities to integrate into the tourism circuit, thus diversifying their sources of income (Flores-Pacheco, 2019).

3 Challenges and opportunities in the social and solidarity economy for the quesillo product

Despite its importance, quesillo production faces several challenges. One of the main problems is the lack of effective strategies to improve the quality and value of the product, which limits its competitiveness vis-à-vis industrial cheeses. The limited dissemination of the benefits of artisanal quesillo and the lack of recognition in the market as an authentic product must also be overcome (Camacho-Vera et al., 2020). A significant challenge facing this industry is the migration of young people to the cities in search of better opportunities and generational, cultural changes that have reduced the labor available for quesillo production. The economic crisis caused by trade restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic has also reduced quesillo sales and production.

Training producers in production and marketing techniques can significantly improve the quality and value of artisanal quesillo. The formation of cooperatives and support networks among producers facilitates access to more extensive and fairer markets, allowing them to obtain an adequate price for their work. Artisanal quesillo production, when carried out sustainably, encourages the responsible use of natural resources such as pastureland to feed livestock, contributing to environmental conservation. Supporting the production of quesillo preserves traditions and ancestral knowledge that are part of Oaxaca's cultural heritage. By promoting responsible and sustainable production practices, we contribute to the conservation of the environment and the proper use of natural resources. This benefits the producers and ensures that future generations will be able to continue this tradition. The works of Porras-Sánchez (2022) and Camacho-Vera et al. (2020) strengthen what has been described concerning the social and solidarity economy offered by quesillo in this region of the state of Oaxaca.

The economic valorization of artisanal cheese production practices in Mexico is reflected in the case of quesillo from Oaxaca and other regional cheeses such as Cotija and Asadero. These products are fundamental to Mexican cultural identity and represent a significant opportunity to improve the quality of life of the producing communities. Growing demand, both nationally and internationally, encourages producers to maintain their traditions while adapting their methods to meet the expectations of the modern market.

4 Conclusions

In conclusion, quesillo production in Oaxaca is more than an economic activity; it is a vital element of cultural identity and an engine of social development. Through the social and solidarity economy, quesillo producers can face the market's challenges, improve their living conditions, and preserve their traditions. Implementing strategies that strengthen artisanal production is essential, promoting the recognition of quesillo as an authentic, quality product. This ensures the economic viability of producers and contributes to the sustainable development of Oaxacan communities, guaranteeing that quesillo continues to be a symbol of the region's cultural and gastronomic richness.

Author contributions

DM-M: Conceptualization, Investigation, Supervision, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. DM-P: Conceptualization, Methodology, Writing – original draft. CV-S: Conceptualization, Investigation, Writing – original draft. EH-B: Conceptualization, Investigation, Supervision, Writing – original draft. MS-M: Investigation, Supervision, Writing – original draft. IG-M: Conceptualization, Methodology, Resources, Supervision, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing.

Funding

The author(s) declare that no financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher's note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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