Changes and Actual State of Mongolian Meat Market and Distribution System: A Case Study of Ulaanbaatar City's "Khuchit Shonhor" Food Market

With changes in the consumption pattern of meat, increases in urban population and underdeveloped distribution system after the collapse of the planned economy, there are increasing problems in meat supply and distribution in Mongolia, particularly in the capital city Ulaanbaatar. This paper examines the stages of meat distribution focusing on Khuchit Shonhor food market. Two types of informal wholesalers are identified; wholesalers who buy meat from nomads and transport it to the market in Ulaanbaatar, and wholesalers in the market who buy this meat and sell it to retailers operating within the market. It is assumed that the later wholesaler type has a stronger influence in price setting.