In recent years, the demand for fresh potatoes has experienced a decline in Spain, while the consumption of industrial potatoes has been increasing, and to meet this growing need for raw materials by the food industry, Grupo Intersur has launched Agriindus.
"Agriindus, located in the Spanish region of Castile-Leon, was created in 2024, mainly to serve the domestic food industry with full control of the supply chain, ensuring the delivery of the agreed raw materials with stable volumes and costs," says the new company's operations director, Juanjo López.
"The entire supply chain is integrated under Agrícola Integradora Industrial, Agriindus, including the supply of seeds to producers, the production under contract and crop monitoring, product quality control, the handling of the goods at the Tordesillas facilities and their delivery to the factories," he says.
Grupo Intersur's new company also aims to give new life to rural areas in parts of Spain hit by depopulation, according to Juanjo, who was born in a small town in the province of Ávila. "My goal has always been to lead a project that not only responded to the industry's needs, addressing the tension in the supply chain linked to prices and shortages, but which also helped create quality employment in rural areas and ensure the survival of the villages. It is a fact that, with the decline of business opportunities in these areas, young people have had to leave their homes to seek employment elsewhere. With the creation of this company, we aim to retain young people willing to stay in rural areas and offer good conditions to producers."
"We are working together with the industry to strengthen their supply chains for the coming year"
Focused on production, Agriindus' product portfolio currently includes potatoes for pre-prepared convenience food, and onions and carrots for consumption and industry. In 2024, the company has already produced 21,000 tons of these three products on 485 hectares, mainly in Castile-Leon, but also in Portugal and Andalusia, where it has more than 50 associated growers.
"The potato supply chain has been under a lot of stress in 2024. Seed shortages and adverse weather conditions led to a reduction in production, which took a toll on the supply chains. Manufacturers without strong supply chains have been hit by raw material shortages and significant cost increases. To address this, Agriindus has been working together with the industry to strengthen their supply chains for the coming year," says Juanjo.
"Meanwhile, the onion supply chains have been affected by overproduction. Many producers have been growing them without a contract and have flooded the markets since the beginning of the season, causing prices to collapse. However, Agriindus growers, who are covered by our supply chain contracts, have seen the profitability of their farms guaranteed," says Juanjo.
"By 2025, we plan to expand our business, so we encourage any interested industrial processors to contact us to learn about our supply programs, and producers to join Agriindus and benefit from our advantages. With this expansion, we aim to open up markets in other countries in Europe."
For more information:
Agriindus
Grupo Intersur
[email protected]