The invisible side of the dish: the ethnic food value chain in the Amazon

Purpose This study aims to contribute to the fields of operations management and supply chain management by demonstrating that, in the context of ethnic foods, value chains must move beyond merely symbolic appreciation of territory and incorporate recognition of actors at the base of the chain to promote social justice. Design/methodology/approach Using a qualitative approach, the findings demonstrate that, although fish products hold high symbolic value, structural inequalities persist throughout the value chain. Findings Artisanal fishers remain invisible and their traditional knowledge and demands are neglected in decision-making processes. The concentration of power among intermediaries, combined with the absence of effective institutional support, restricts opportunities and reinforces exclusion. There is also a lack of recognition of these workers’ social identities, a fundamental aspect in promoting a more equitable distribution of the benefits generated. Research limitations/implications This study has limitations related to the specificity of its empirical context and the territorial distances involved, which warrant caution when generalizing the findings. Some fishing villages are located in remote and difficult-to-access areas, which limited the number of participants in the first phase of the research. Practical implications Managers may invest in production verticalization, which could reduce dependence on intermediaries and improve fishers’ remuneration. Chefs can also act as bridges between producers and consumers. Finally, strengthening public policies aimed at ethnic food value chains is essential. Social implications It is essential to promote DEI-oriented public policies and initiatives that value local cultural practices, thereby increasing sustainability and ensuring a fairer distribution of resources. Originality/value This study contributes theoretically to OSCM in two ways, advancing beyond the traditional sustainable supply chain management perspective. The first contribution expands the social dimension of sustainability analyses in supply chains. In contexts characterized by institutional voids and information asymmetries, social justice should not be treated merely as a normative principle but as a prerequisite for supply chain sustainability.