Agróptimum announced the launch of its pistachio processing plant. This strategic project completes its integral business model from genetic selection and plant production to marketing of the processed product. With this new infrastructure, the company closes the circle and positions itself as a global pistachio operator.
© Agróptimum
"Our processing plant will be completely different from what is on the market. We are going to bring all our added value to the final product, just as we've transformed the genetics and field development of the pistachio. We'll do it following the two constants that are our trademark: Innovation and research in all parts of the process, and sustainability and respect for the environment," stated Ángel Minaya, founder and CEO of Agróptimum.
The new plant is located in Villanueva de la Jara (Cuenca), where the company has more than 75,000 m² of nursery space and employs more than 160 people directly. This strategic enclave concentrates innovation, technical knowledge, and has now become the heart of the industrial transformation of pistachio.
© Agróptimum
Elena Sanjuan, a professional with extensive experience in the agri-food sector and a deep knowledge of the industrial processing of pistachio, will lead the purchasing and logistics area.
The facility incorporates state-of-the-art processing lines, including precision shelling, continuous drying, multispectral optical selection, mechanical shelling, and transformation into products such as flours, pastes, creams, and chopped pistachio. The entire process is carried out in less than 48 hours after harvesting, preserving the pistachio's freshness and properties.
© Agróptimum
The plant will process 1,000 tons of dried pistachios in its first year, with a scaling plan of up to 15,000 tons per year. This growth will be accompanied by new automated lines and infrastructure expansion. The turnover forecast for the first year is 10 million euros, with a focus on exports to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
The initial investment reaches 8 million euros. The plant will comply with the main international quality and food safety standards (IFS, Global GAP), and is managing ecological certifications.
The plant will guarantee stable employment, as it will be in operation all year round, receiving fresh fruit between August and October, and transforming and continuing its commercial activity the rest of the year.
© Agróptimum
Six years ago, Angel Minaya brought the first pistachio seed from California with a clear idea: to transform the potential of this crop into a real opportunity for Spanish farmers. Since then, Agróptimum has created the first nursery specialized in pistachios, developed an agronomic model that reduces the time needed for the tree to come into production from 8 to 3 and a half years, and has promoted the professionalization of the sector with knowledge, technology, and technical support.
For more information:
Agróptimum
www.agroptimum.com
