The value chain (VC) describes the sequence of activities from producing raw material and transforming the same into products that can be purchased by final consumers. As such, the VC methodology is a conceptual means for characterizing the different stages that a given product experiences from initial product conception, to the provision of inputs, to primary production, to intermediary trade,to processing, to retail marketing and to final consumption, including the identification of the value added at each node of the VC.