New agribusiness growth: aloe vera production. Ernesto Ruiz Merino, Ferris Hills

There is a recent increase in demand for natural products to both the resolution of medical problems, such as aesthetic. However, supply is not growing at the same rate as the application. Despite having conditions and soils suitable for growing some varieties of plants that leave these products, the supply is still not growing at the same pace.

Aloe vera is one of the great examples of business opportunity. The National Association of the Aloe Vera has planned for this year a harvest of 16,000 tonnes of this plant in Spain, which represents an increase of 30% over the previous harvest.

Not all soils peninsular, not all climates are suitable for growing this plant. Studies in different areas point to Valencia as one of the best areas needed for the cultivation of aloe vera features. Sandy soils, the long periods of sunshine and high temperatures contribute to this community with the best growth plantations booming.

The business chances are opportunities for those concerned identify new ways of production and job creation in the agricultural sector. In addition, aloe vera can be processed in different lines of business, in line with many sectors, among which the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry.

The shortage of farm and plant treatments makes the opportunity is latent among many entrepreneurs seeking new ideas to generate profits on their land. In Spain there is only a facility for extracting aloe gel, located in Devoto (Córdoba).

Yes, the market has a unique disadvantage when small farms are started. To be forced to send their production to areas where the plant is processed the high costs of moving goods is facing. The strategy to overcome this problem would be the formation of a critical mass that would allow primary producers or reduce unit costs, or justify the installation of a processing establishment.

Ernesto Ruiz Merino, Ferris Hills CEO.