Web WonderAll things web related plus a few surprises

Agave & Tequila: Case Study in the Evolution of an Agribusiness Opportunity

In 1974 Mexico’s government established the Appellation of Origin Tequila (DOT) to establish guidelines for agave production. The agave grower’s cycle from planting through harvest takes about a decade. This is one reason tequila is so expensive lately— forecasting demand with ten years lead time is difficult.

According to regulations of the Norma Official Mexicana (NOM), Tequila can only be produced from agave grown in the volcanic soils in and around the Jalisco region, much like Champagne can only be produced in that region of France. But unlike grapes from Champagne, agave production has seen wide variations in up and down cycles. Such swings are not uncommon in the growth stage of a product life cycle.

In the 1990s there was too much agave, thanks to over-planting by fast-growing commercial tequila distillers engaged in vertical integration. Traditional growers began receiving unsustainably low prices for agave, so they switched to other crops. At the same time that many traditional, organic agave growers abandoned the tequila ship, the popularity of Mexico’s national drink began to increase globally. Since 2002, premium tequila sales have increased an average 28% annually. This has led to frequent shortages of agave. Many tequila distilleries closed due to a lack of agave in the last down cycle. There are over 200 varieties of agave but only the Agave Tequilana Weber blue variety is permitted by the NOM. Small organic growers no longer account for a majority of agave production.

Large corporate growers’ attempts to forecast and meet demand have created another disaster. According to Ana Valenzuela Zapata, writing in the Journal of Rural Studies, pesticides and fertilizers are wreaking havoc on Jalisco’s ecology. Today, fungi attack the root of the agave plant with increasing frequency. Soil erosion is widespread. The species is strained by pest infestations. Local water quality is dismal. Distillers routinely harvest younger plants (which are required in much larger numbers than mature agave), laying the groundwork for the next down cycle.

The time has come to return to sustainable agave farming and production cycles. Tequila is amongst the national symbols most representative of Mexico throughout the world. Agave was the source of drinks enjoyed by indigenous tribal leaders and high priests long before the Spanish colonized Mexico. According to Aztec legend, fertility goddess Mayahuel is the personification of the agave plant. Archeological evidence of agave culture in this region dates back at least 1700 years, if not even earlier.

In 2009, 100% blue agave commands prices of US$50 per bottle or more. It is a tragedy that several large corporations outside of Mexico have made themselves the primary beneficiaries of the agave legacy. Hundreds of families who devoted generations to blue agave have been forced to abandon their traditional crop. Corporations turn to inferior black market agave (from outside the DOT region) during down cycles.

The Sauza & El Tesoro brands sold out to Fortune Brands three years ago. Two years ago, the once-trusted brand Herradura was sold to Brown-Forman for US$776 million. José Cuervo operates a “Tequila theme park” in Jalisco, for those who don’t mind a good headache. The vast majority of market share for distilleries like José Cuervo and Sauza come from tequilas made from 49% non-agave sugars (mixed brews containing sugars found in vodka and rum, along with agave sugars). Such large commercial operations wreck the ecology of Jalisco with chemicals and subvert a tradition of sustainable organic agave production that is thousands of years strong.

The product life cycle for inferior “mixto” tequilas is no longer in the growth phase. The opportunities for product differentiation are substantial. One direction is fair-trade agave. The current trend is moving toward tequilas made from sustainable crops using practices that promote social equity and fairness for agave producers. Fair Trade Agave certification is a likely next step.

Two organizations already working to correct the missteps in Jalisco are Empresa Ejidal Tequila de Amatitan & Cooperativa Tequilera La Magdalena. Empresa Ejidal is the home of Azuñia & Regional Tequilas (as in, a source of regional pride). Agave for these brands is grown by one of the region’s oldest agave growing families, the Sergio Zuñiga family. Crops are grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides; planting and harvesting is done entirely by hand. These products are finding consumers in the USA through the efforts of Maverick Spirits, exporting to Newport Beach-based Intersect Beverage

Cooperativa Magdalena grows agave used in El Caudillo & Sangre Azteca (“Aztec Blood”) Tequilas. Agave for these brands comes from dozens of organic agave growing families that together make up the cooperative. These family-based farming cooperatives are not interested in making the types of tequilas provided by the multinational corporations (MNC’s), “mixto” liquor destined to be mixed in drinks or served as shots with lime and salt. Instead, they create fine, traditional tequilas to be sipped by aficionados. In Mexico, such tequilas are served alongside equal-sized glass of Sangrita, a mixture of tomato, orange, and chili pepper juices.

Family-based agave producers and distillers are not content to watch their traditions perverted. There is talk in the City of Tequila in favor of new NOM regulations that will prevent MNC’s from continuing to degrade the reputation of Mexico’s national drink along with Jalisco’s ecology. “Stricter rules are necessary to make tequila successful for both companies and farmers,” states University of Guadalajara sociologist Peter Gerritson. Regardless of the outcome of such initiatives, there are new agave investment opportunities in Jalisco as the tequila pendulum swings back toward traditional producers.

Health food stores now sell the natural sweetener that is un-distilled, pure agave nectar for the same price as a fine bottle of tequila. Agave nectar provides an alternative to honey for households worldwide, and an alternative for traditional farmers to the glut created by corporate growers. Savvy consumers are increasingly interested in sustainably produced products as an alternative to corporate headaches such as “shots” that are only half tequila. These trends, coupled with 28% average annual growth for artisanal tequilas, suggest investments in organic agave products can once again provide attractive dividends for investors while supporting farming families and the ecology of the region.

About the Author

Stephen Kaczor is a Seattle-based writer, entrepreneur, and consultant. He is a partner at International Market Resources, a Latin American trade consultancy, and the founder of Changes In Latitude, a travel company. The focus of Stephen’s consulting is strategic market development, research & management. In addition to consulting and writing, he is passionate about Latin American culture, travel, and sustainable agriculture.
www.alternativelatininvestor.com

Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism by Weber, Max Edition , 1 $13.99 Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism by Weber, Max

The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism by Weber, Max; Swedberg, Richard Edition , 0 $20.99 The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism by Weber, Max; Swedberg, Richard

Weber State Wildcats Dimension Wall Clock $34.99 Demonstrate your team spirit in your home or office with the Weber State Wildcats logo displayed on our 12� Dimension Wall Clock. Features a quartz accurate movement. Superior visibility with our Mineral Glass Crystal. The imprinted ring on the premium crystal is Color-Coordinated with the outer bezel to proudly display your school colors. Officially licensed.

Spirit Warriors by Weber, Stu Edition , 0 $17.49 Pastor and former Green Beret captain Stu Weber reveals the crucial spiritual battles that all Christians face constantly, whether or not they are aware of them. Somehow we have come to mistakenly associate spiritual warfare with charismatic personalities strutting across brightly lit platforms … whuppin’ up on evil spirits, says Weber. But spiritual warfare is so much more than a show. With warm and winning counsel, the bestselling author/speaker warns of the very real perils readers face, giving them what they need to survive and thrive.

Spirit Warriors by Weber, Stu Edition , 0 $13.99 Pastor and former Green Beret captain Stu Weber reveals the crucial spiritual battles that all Christians face constantly, whether or not they are aware of them. Somehow we have come to mistakenly associate spiritual warfare with charismatic personalities strutting across brightly lit platforms … whuppin' up on evil spirits, says Weber. But spiritual warfare is so much more than a show. With warm and winning counsel, the bestselling author/speaker warns of the very real perils readers face, giving them what they need to survive and thrive. From the Trade Paperback edition.

The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism by Weber, Max Edition ILL, 2 $16.99 Max Weber’s best-known and most controversial work, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, first published in 1904, remains to this day a powerful and fascinating read. Weber’s highly accessible style is just one of many reasons for his continuing popularity. The book contends that the Protestant ethic made possible and encouraged the development of capitalism in the West. Widely considered as the most informed work ever written on the social effects of advanced capitalism, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism holds its own as one of the most significant books of the twentieth century. The book is one of those rare works of scholarship which no informed citizen can afford to ignore.

The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism by Weber, Max Edition ILL,REV, 2 $7.75 Max Weber’s best-known and most controversial work, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, first published in 1904, remains to this day a powerful and fascinating read. Weber’s highly accessible style is just one of many reasons for his continuing popularity. The book contends that the Protestant ethic made possible and encouraged the development of capitalism in the West. Widely considered as the most informed work ever written on the social effects of advanced capitalism, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism holds its own as one of the most significant books of the twentieth century. The book is one of those rare works of scholarship which no informed citizen can afford to ignore.

Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, by Weber $5.95 This book is in Acceptable condition

E-310 / E312 $89.95 High yield remanufactured black laser toner cartridge replaces LEXMARK 13T0101 / 12A2202 -yields 6000 pages.

The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism by Weber, Max Kalberg, Stephen Edition , 3 $9.99 For the first time in 70 years, a new translation of Max Weber’s classic The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism–one of the most enduring and influential books in sociology–is available. Translator Stephen Kalberg is an internationally acclaimed Weberian scholar. In this Third Edition, Kalberg offers a precise and nuanced rendering of The Protestant Ethic that captures Weber’s style as well as the unusual subtlety of his descriptions and causal arguments. Kalberg’s standardization of Weber’s terminology facilitates understanding of the various twists and turns in his complex lines of reasoning. Weber’s original italicization, highlighting major themes, has been restored. A glossary of major terms has been added. In short, The Protestant Ethic thesis is presented in a clear and highly readable manner. There are three compelling reasons to read this classic: * It explores the continuing debate regarding the origins and legacy of modern capitalism in the West. * It helps the reader better understand economic development today around the world, especially in Russia, Eastern Europe, Asia, and South America. * It plumbs the deep cultural forces that affect contemporary work life and the workplace in the United States and Europe. In his introduction, Kalberg examines the controversy that has surrounded this book for nearly a century and summarizes major aspects of Weber’s complex analysis. Kalberg also discusses The Protestant Ethic in the context of Weber’s other writings. Finally, Kalberg investigates the contribution of this classical study for understanding the role played by cultural forces in modern economic development and discusses the wide-ranging impact today of ascetic Protestantism on the American work ethic. The Third Roxbury Edition includes Weber’s 1906 essay The Protestant Sects and the Spirit of Capitalism. Written after his extensive travels in the United States in 1904, Weber comments here on the diverse ways in which the legacies of early American Protestantism remain influential. Also included in this edition are Weber’s masterful prefatory remarks to his Collected Essays in the Sociology of Religion, in which he defines the uniqueness of Western Societies and asks what ideas and interests combined to call forth modern Western rationalism. For students, The Protestant Ethic is a starting point toward understanding the multiple dimensions of social change. The continuing debates about the main elements of modern life–capitalism, our common sense economic determinism and rational choices, relationships between cultural forces and social structures, the tension between religion and science, the cultural foundations of democracy, economic cultures and business ethics, and the future of modern capitalism–are very much part of the Weberian project. Small wonder, then, that The Protestant Ethic continues to be one of the most frequently assigned readings in sociology.

The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism by Weber, Max; Parsons, Talcott Edition , 0 $9.99 This brilliant study opposes the Marxist concept of dialectical materialism and its view that change takes place through the conflict of opposites. Instead, Weber relates the rise of a capitalist economy to the Puritan determination to work out anxiety over salvation or damnation by performing good deeds — an effort that ultimately encouraged capitalism.

The Created Self by Weber, Robert Edition ILL, 0 $13.99 Weber travels an engrossing journey into the nature and meaning of our shifting selves the motivations and methods for self-change, and proposes an ecology of the self based on three distinct, but interdependent spheres: body, persona, and spirit. Line drawings.

Weber Eberhard $289 Weber Eberhard

Max Weber $209 Max Weber

The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism by Weber, Max; Kalberg, Stephen Edition REV, 0 $21.49 For more than 100 years, Max Weber’s The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism has set the parameters for the debate over the origins of modern capitalism. Now more timely and thought provoking than ever, this esteemed classic of twentieth-century social science examines the deep cultural frame of mind that existed at the birth of modern capitalism and to this day influences attitudes toward work in northern America and Western Europe.In this volume, Stephen Kalberg revises his internationally acclaimed translation–using shorter sentences and more lucid language–to make the work even more accessible to students and other readers. Capturing the essence of Weber’s style as well as the subtlety of his descriptions and causal arguments, this is the only translation of the revised 1920 edition of The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism published since 1930.To draw readers into the material, this engaging volume includes extensive introductions by the editor, a chronology of Weber’s life, a glossary, and numerous clarifying endnotes. Detailed commentaries discuss the controversies Weber addressed, explain his complex causal argument by reference to the general contours of his sociology, summarize the history of the Protestant Ethic debate, and examine the significance of the Protestant Sects essays.Ideal for courses in sociology, anthropology, political science, history, international relations, economics, and cultural studies, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism is an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand the origins and endurance of the modern West.

Protestant Ethic and the ‘Spirit’ of Capitalism and Other Writings, by Weber $12 This book is in New – Excellent condition

The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism with Other Writings on the Rise of the West by Weber, Max Kalberg, Stephen Edition , 4 $11.49 For more than 100 years, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism has set the parameters for the debate over the origins of modern capitalism. Now more timely and thought-provoking than ever, this esteemed classic of twentieth-century social science examines the deep cultural frame of mind that influences work life to this day in northern America and Western Europe. Stephen Kalberg’s internationally acclaimed translation captures the essence of Weber’s style as well as the subtlety of his descriptions and causal arguments. Now, for the first time in one volume, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism with Other Writings on the Rise of the West integrates Weber’s exploration of the spirit of capitalism’s origins with his larger project: a multi-causal analysis of the West’s distinctiveness and its sources. Weber’s texts present wide-ranging discussions on the Western city, state, forms of rulership and law, and modes of economic innovation. Moreover, in many selections Weber offers in-depth and insightful comparisons to China and India. Readings on the economic ethics of Confucianism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Catholicism further illuminate the distinct qualities of the West’s trajectory and its diverse causes. A separate section examines the long-range influence of the ascetic Protestant sects and churches on American society.To draw readers into the material, this engaging volume includes extended introductions by the editor, many new translations, a chronology of Weber’s life, an expanded glossary and bibliography, and numerous clarifying endnotes. In addition, Kalberg addresses a variety of debates concerning the central elements of contemporary life. Ideal for courses in sociology, anthropology, political science, history, international relations, and economics, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism with Other Writings on the Rise of the West is an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand the origins and endurance of the modern West.

The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism with Other Writings on the Rise of the West by Weber, Max; Kalberg, Stephen Edition , 4 $16.49 For more than 100 years, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism has set the parameters for the debate over the origins of modern capitalism. Now more timely and thought-provoking than ever, this esteemed classic of twentieth-century social science examines the deep cultural frame of mind that influences work life to this day in northern America and Western Europe. Stephen Kalberg’s internationally acclaimed translation captures the essence of Weber’s style as well as the subtlety of his descriptions and causal arguments. Now, for the first time in one volume, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism with Other Writings on the Rise of the West integrates Weber’s exploration of the spirit of capitalism’s origins with his larger project: a multi-causal analysis of the West’s distinctiveness and its sources. Weber’s texts present wide-ranging discussions on the Western city, state, forms of rulership and law, and modes of economic innovation. Moreover, in many selections Weber offers in-depth and insightful comparisons to China and India. Readings on the economic ethics of Confucianism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Catholicism further illuminate the distinct qualities of the West’s trajectory and its diverse causes. A separate section examines the long-range influence of the ascetic Protestant sects and churches on American society.To draw readers into the material, this engaging volume includes extended introductions by the editor, many new translations, a chronology of Weber’s life, an expanded glossary and bibliography, and numerous clarifying endnotes. In addition, Kalberg addresses a variety of debates concerning the central elements of contemporary life. Ideal for courses in sociology, anthropology, political science, history, international relations, and economics, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism with Other Writings on the Rise of the West is an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand the origins and endurance of the modern West.

The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism by Weber, Max; Baehr, Peter; Baehr, Peter; Wells, Gordon C.; Wells, Gordon C.; Baehr, Peter; Wells, Gordon C. $19.99 In The Protestant Ethic, Max Weber opposes the Marxist concept of dialectical materialism and relates the rise of the capitalist economy to the Calvinist belief in the moral value of hard work and the fulfillment of one’s worldly duties. Based on the original 1905 edition, this volume includes, along with Weber’s treatise, an illuminating introduction, a wealth of explanatory notes, and exemplary responses and remarks-both from Weber and his critics-sparked by publication of The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism. This is the first English translation of the 1905 German text and the first volume to include Weber’s unexpurgated responses to his critics, which reveal important developments in and clarifications of Weber’s argument.

The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism by Weber, Max; Baehr, Peter; Wells, Gordon C.; Baehr, Peter; Wells, Gordon C.; Baehr, Peter; Wells, Gordon C. $9.99 In The Protestant Ethic, Max Weber opposes the Marxist concept of dialectical materialism and relates the rise of the capitalist economy to the Calvinist belief in the moral value of hard work and the fulfillment of one’s worldly duties. Based on the original 1905 edition, this volume includes, along with Weber’s treatise, an illuminating introduction, a wealth of explanatory notes, and exemplary responses and remarks-both from Weber and his critics-sparked by publication of The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism. This is the first English translation of the 1905 German text and the first volume to include Weber’s unexpurgated responses to his critics, which reveal important developments in and clarifications of Weber’s argument.

Blood Sweat and Tears, or, How I Stopped Worrying and Learned to Love Fashion by Weber, Bruce Edition ILL, 0 $48.99 Photographer Bruce Weber intended to create a book of fashion photographs, however, as he became more involved in the process, his intention evolved into the desire to chronicle how fashion can be seen in nature, architecture, and the human spirit.

The First Lady by Weber, Carl Edition , 0 $20.99 The national bestselling author of The Preacher's Son and So You Call Yourself A Man returns with a scandalously spirited new novel about a woman who will always be her husband's First Lady–even after she's gone. . . Charlene Wilson, First Lady of First Jamaica Ministries, has lived a good life with her beloved Bishop T.K. Wilson and their two wonderful children. But now that the Lord has seen fit to call her home, someone needs to take care of her man. That's why Charlene has planned to hang around in spirit–to make sure T.K. ends up with the right woman. First in line is Marlene, the mother of T.K.'s illegitimate daughter. Then there's Monique Johnson, the unapologetic First Lady of Plastic Surgery and Implants. Next is Savannah Dickens, the church's attractive new choir soloist. And last but not least is Charlene's good friend, Sister Lisa Mae Johnson, widow of Pastor Lee Jones. With the help of her friend Alison, Charlene prepares a series of letters addressed to the lucky ladies. Alison has vowed to keep an eye on T.K.'s social life and deliver them as needed. No one else knows about the letters, but rest assured, they will shake up a whole lot of people. Charlene may soon be gone, but her presence will be felt. . . Praise for the novels of Carl Weber The First Lady Weber's novels are always sizzlers, and his newest. . .is no exception. –The Cincinnati Enquirer Thought-provoking, witty, and entertaining. –Library Journal The Preacher's Son A New York Times Bestseller A lively, revelation-packed tale deepened by genuine emotion, convincing detail and smart dialogue. –Publishers Weekly Includes a teaser of Carl Weber's new novel Something on the Side

The Spirit Of $159 The Spirit Of

Spirit $159 Spirit