CONASUPO (National Company of Popular Subsistence) was a government-owned entity in Mexico that operated from 1962 to 1999. It was established with the objective of ensuring fair and stable prices for essential goods, particularly food, and to provide access to these goods for low-income sectors of the population.
As a dictionary definition, CONASUPO can be described as a state-owned company that was responsible for regulating and overseeing the production, distribution, and sale of basic goods, such as grains, beans, oil, and milk. It played a key role in price stabilization, preventing speculation, and ensuring that goods were accessible and affordable for the most vulnerable groups of society.
CONASUPO had a network of stores and warehouses throughout the country, where it sold its products at subsidized prices. These products were sourced through the purchase of agricultural production from national farmers, importation when necessary, and strategic reserves. The company aimed to prevent scarcity and price fluctuations, providing stability to the Mexican economy and protecting the interests of low-income consumers.
Despite its initial goals, CONASUPO faced numerous challenges throughout its history, including corruption, inefficiency, and budgetary constraints. By the late 1990s, Mexico had transitioned to a more market-oriented economy, and CONASUPO was ultimately dissolved in 1999. However, it left a significant mark in Mexico's history as a governmental effort to guarantee food security and social welfare.
