Exhibiting at Anuga Select Brazil 2025

Doña Icha is an Argentine olive oil producer based in San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca, specializing in premium extra virgin olive oils and table olives. Founded and led by Oscar de la Barrera, the company has earned recognition for combining traditional cultivation methods with modern production techniques, positioning itself as a key player in Argentina’s growing olive oil export sector.

Core Business

The core business of Doña Icha revolves around the cultivation, harvesting, processing, and packaging of high-quality olive products. The company produces extra virgin olive oil and premium table olives, focusing on preserving the unique terroir of Catamarca, a region renowned for its optimal olive-growing conditions.

Product and Service Offerings

Doña Icha’s product portfolio includes:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil:

  • Cold-pressed, unfiltered
  • Packaged in 500 ml and 750 ml bottles
  • Targeted at gourmet markets and health-conscious consumers

• Table Olives:

  • Green Olives
  • Black Olives
  • Available in brine or vacuum packaging

These products are marketed locally and through select export channels, emphasizing artisanal quality and Argentine origin.

Specialization and Core USP

Doña Icha’s unique selling points include:

• Family-owned production, with deep local knowledge of olive cultivation
• High-altitude olive groves, benefiting from Catamarca’s dry climate and mineral-rich soils
• Cold extraction processes, ensuring the preservation of polyphenols, antioxidants, and delicate flavors
• Small-batch production, catering to specialty markets rather than mass commodity segments

Financial Performance

While Doña Icha operates as a boutique producer, industry sources estimate its annual revenue at approximately USD 200,000–350,000, with 30–40% of sales derived from exports. The company has seen steady growth, averaging 15% year-over-year increases, driven by rising international demand for Argentine olive oil, particularly in the U.S., Brazil, and Europe.

Shipments and Export Data

According to trade data platforms, Doña Icha has completed over 20 international shipments in the past two years, with average shipment values of USD 5,000–12,000. Total export volume is estimated at USD 100,000–150,000 annually, focusing on premium grocery chains, gourmet distributors, and health food stores.

Target Market

Doña Icha’s target market includes:

• Domestic Argentine consumers in specialty food stores and farmers’ markets
• International gourmet retailers and distributors seeking premium extra virgin olive oils
• Health-conscious consumers looking for antioxidant-rich, cold-pressed oils
• Chefs and foodservice clients seeking authentic Argentine olive products

Capabilities

• Own olive groves in Catamarca, ensuring full control over cultivation and harvest quality
• In-house processing facility with cold-press extraction technology
• Packaging and labeling operations tailored for both domestic and export markets
• Sustainable agricultural practices, minimizing water use and chemical inputs
• Strong presence on social media, leveraging Instagram and YouTube for brand promotion

Certifications and Compliance

• Compliance with Senasa (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria) for agricultural production standards
• Adherence to Argentine food safety regulations and export requirements
• Commitment to traceability and transparency, providing harvest date and lot information on labels

Customer Testimonials

“El aceite de oliva Doña Icha tiene un sabor intenso y auténtico. Lo usamos en nuestro restaurante y a los clientes les encanta.”
— Chef, Buenos Aires

“Excelente calidad y presentación. Ideal para regalar o disfrutar en casa.”
— Cliente gourmet, São Paulo

Major Achievements

• Recognized as a top boutique olive oil producer in Catamarca by local agricultural publications
• Achieved 30% export growth over the past three years
• Featured in culinary events and tastings across Argentina, promoting regional olive oil excellence
• Partnered with gourmet distributors in Brazil and Europe, expanding international reach
• Gained a loyal following on Instagram, enhancing brand visibility and direct-to-consumer sales