Quality control from the field
Posted: Wed Jan 08, 2025 4:01 am
The quality of the potatoes sold is another key to Hijolusa's success. “Our potatoes are mainly of Spanish origin. Approximately 66% of the product we sell is of national origin. In 2022 we will have reached 70%. When there is no quality product in Spain, we import from other European countries,” says the CEO.
Although the company does not have its own fields, it is very involved in the production process of its suppliers, with the aim of always achieving the expected quality level in the potato. “We are trying to get the producers who collaborate with us to align themselves with our working method. We are gradually achieving this,” he says.
To do this, Hijolusa has its own department of agricultural engineers, who accompany the farmers. “When we are in a production campaign, there are several of our technicians in each production area to verify the quality of the product. We get involved from the beginning of preparing the land until the harvest. The collaboration begins slovenia phone data when the sowing and the varieties are planned. From there, we know when to start sowing and we carry out exhaustive control until the product is harvested. This is the way to have absolutely everything under control to obtain the best raw material. This way we check the quality before the harvest begins, to prevent the potato that arrives at the plant from not corresponding to the agreed quality. In addition, in the factory we have a quality department, a laboratory where we analyse all the batches that enter the facility to verify that they continue to comply with these parameters,” explains Gómez.
This close relationship with producers benefits all parties. “These are very long-term agreements. We give them more and more volume, so they grow with us. We usually agree on volume contracts, where the varieties, etc. are specified. Always with agreements that are profitable for them and for the entire value chain, which is fundamental. And that has to start with the primary sector. The producer has to be clear that they are going to obtain a return on their product. But with maximum quality requirements, which are those that we set ourselves and those that our clients demand of us,” he specifies.
Although the company does not have its own fields, it is very involved in the production process of its suppliers, with the aim of always achieving the expected quality level in the potato. “We are trying to get the producers who collaborate with us to align themselves with our working method. We are gradually achieving this,” he says.
To do this, Hijolusa has its own department of agricultural engineers, who accompany the farmers. “When we are in a production campaign, there are several of our technicians in each production area to verify the quality of the product. We get involved from the beginning of preparing the land until the harvest. The collaboration begins slovenia phone data when the sowing and the varieties are planned. From there, we know when to start sowing and we carry out exhaustive control until the product is harvested. This is the way to have absolutely everything under control to obtain the best raw material. This way we check the quality before the harvest begins, to prevent the potato that arrives at the plant from not corresponding to the agreed quality. In addition, in the factory we have a quality department, a laboratory where we analyse all the batches that enter the facility to verify that they continue to comply with these parameters,” explains Gómez.
This close relationship with producers benefits all parties. “These are very long-term agreements. We give them more and more volume, so they grow with us. We usually agree on volume contracts, where the varieties, etc. are specified. Always with agreements that are profitable for them and for the entire value chain, which is fundamental. And that has to start with the primary sector. The producer has to be clear that they are going to obtain a return on their product. But with maximum quality requirements, which are those that we set ourselves and those that our clients demand of us,” he specifies.