Exhibiting at Anuga Select Brazil 2025

Especiera San Rafael is a distinguished Argentine enterprise renowned for its dedication to producing high-quality regional spices, condiments, and natural food products. Headquartered in Santa María, Catamarca, the company has emerged as a trusted brand in the northwest of Argentina, supplying a wide array of handcrafted, locally sourced culinary products to both domestic and regional markets.

Company History and Background

Founded and led by Aldo Herrero, Especiera San Rafael was born out of a passion for preserving traditional flavors and promoting the natural richness of Catamarca’s agro-industrial heritage. Over the years, the company has steadily grown from a small-scale operation into a reputable producer and packager of dried spices and condiments, maintaining strong ties to local farming communities and sustainable agricultural practices.

Core Business and Offerings

Especiera San Rafael specializes in the preparation, packaging, and distribution of:

• Spices & Condiments: Pimentón (paprika), Provenzal (herb blend), Orégano, Ají Rojo (red chili), Ají Cayena (cayenne), Comino Molido (ground cumin).
• Grains & Cereals: Locally milled Maíz Capia and Harina Cocida (pre-cooked corn flour).
• Regional Gourmet Products: Vinos (local wines), Frutas Secas (dried fruits), and Dulces Regionales (regional sweets).

All products are carefully sourced and processed using traditional methods to retain their natural flavors and nutritional integrity.

Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Especiera San Rafael’s core strength lies in its:

• Commitment to artisanal processing and minimal industrial intervention, ensuring authentic taste.
• Strong local sourcing network, allowing traceability and quality control from farm to shelf.
• Support for regional economic development by sourcing directly from Catamarcan farmers and producers.

These principles position the company as a reliable provider of ethically produced, authentic Argentine spices and condiments.

Financial and Operational Insights

Though Especiera San Rafael is a growing regional company, public financial disclosures are limited. Based on regional market presence and partnerships with local markets and gastronomic fairs, the company is estimated to produce and distribute several tons of spices annually, catering to both retail consumers and small businesses across Catamarca and neighboring provinces.

Export and Shipment Data

Currently, Especiera San Rafael focuses on the domestic Argentine market. There are no verifiable records from import/export data platforms (e.g., Volza, ImportYeti) confirming international shipments. However, the company has expressed interest in expanding to international gourmet and ethnic markets, especially through regional trade fairs and promotional activities.

Target Market

• Primary: Domestic consumers within northwestern Argentina seeking high-qualitytural food products.
• Secondary: Specialty grocers, gourmet shops, and boutique food retailers interested in traditional Argentine flavors.
• Potential Expansion: Ethnic and gourmet food importers in North America, Europe, and Latin America.

Capabilities

• Production: Manual and semi-automated spice grinding, drying, and packaging facilities.
• Distribution: Regional logistics capabilities within Catamarca and parts of northern Argentina.
• Marketing: Active presence on Instagram with regular updates on new batches, product highlights, and community involvement.

Certifications and Compliance

At present, there is no publicly available data indicating international certifications such as HACCP, ISO, or USDA Organic. However, Especiera San Rafael operates under Argentine local food safety and hygiene standards, which govern artisanal food production.

Customer Testimonials and Community Engagement

Local media coverage and municipal partnerships indicate strong regional support. During regional food festivals, Especiera San Rafael products are frequently featured, and testimonials from local chefs and food connoisseurs highlight their freshness and authenticity. A notable quote from an event in Santa María states:

"Estamos trabajando conjuntamente con el municipio y el éxito se vio reflejado en la aceptación del público hacia nuestras especias." – Aldo Herrero, Founder

Major Achievements

• Recognition by Local Authorities: Partnered with the Santa María municipality in promoting regional culinary products.
• Featured in Regional Press: Multiple mentions in local news portals such as Acontecer Calchaquí for outstanding artisanal spice production.
• Community Impact: Contributed to preserving local agricultural practices and creating rural employment opportunities in Catamarca.

Especiera San Rafael represents a growing force in Argentina’s regional food economy, combining tradition with a commitment to sustainable growth and product integrity.