Feasibility for the establishing a carrageenan industry in Mexico

Mexico has been an exporter of carrageenophytes for the last 30 years, but to date there is no commercial production of carrageenan. In the last 10 years the carrageenan consumption in Mexico has increased significantly. During this same period, an increasing number of studies related to carrageenophytes and their industrialization in Mexico have been performed. In this paper, the feasibility of a carrageenan industry in Mexico is analyzed utilizing available information. Future necessary research is suggested where data is lacking. The analysis includes the availability of seaweed biomass, carrageenan types, extraction technology, national demand and possibilities of joint ventures under the NAFTA treaty.