ABSTRACT
The açaí palm (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) is widespread throughout the Amazonian countries and is consumed locally as well as exported. In the Guiana Shield, the economic dynamics of açaí have changed in recent years, largely driven by the emergence of global value chains. This chapter focuses on the rarely studied consumption of açaí in international markets and in the three supply countries of the Guiana Shield (Suriname, French Guiana, and Brazil). With no official quantitative data (quantities or prices) on the distribution or consumption of açaí, empirical data were collected from 45 interviews and field observations. Cultural aspects and exchange between the populations of the three supply countries influence the modes of commercialisation and consumption. Informal local markets exist along with global markets, and a multiplicity of food products. This underlines the importance of considering (i) intangible dimensions to understand relations between global and informal markets of non-timber forest products, and (ii) to consider how the bioeconomy can be articulated with common goods protection, in an inclusive way for marginal populations.
