At the 2nd Zaragoza Agri-Food Show, three companies were awarded for their contribution to the agri-food sector in different categories: Ecomonegros in sustainability, Pastelería Micheto as a family business, and Nakoa in the tradition category. Through their stories and experiences, each of these companies offers valuable advice for entrepreneurs and companies seeking to consolidate themselves in a competitive environment, without losing the essence that makes them unique.
1. Ecomonegros: Sustainability at every step 🌱 2.
Award-winning company: Ecomonegros
Key tip: “Believe in your product and bet on sustainability from the beginning”.
Laura Marcén, co-founder of Ecomonegros, stresses the importance of staying true to the principles of sustainability in all aspects of the business. From the recovery of wheat varieties such as Aragón 03 to the organic certification of their products, their commitment to respecting the environment has been a priority.
His advice to entrepreneurs is clear: “It is essential that the project is sustainable from its conception. Not only in production, but in every decision you make: the raw materials, the process, the machines…. Everything must be circular and respectful of the environment”. He also adds a key message for those who want to enter the sector: “Ask for help and learn from other entrepreneurs who have already gone through the difficulties that await you. Don’t be afraid to ask.”
2. Pastelería Micheto: The key to the family legacy 👨👩👧👦
Winning company: Pastelería Micheto
Key tip: Respect tradition and maintain quality.
With more than 250 years of history, Pastelería Micheto has managed to preserve its family recipes and remain a reference in Aragonese gastronomy. Miguel Michetto, representing the tenth generation of the family, stresses that the success of a family business lies in the “thinking head” who guides the company. “There must always be someone who sets the course, and it is essential to respect that person,” he says.
For those embarking on a family project, Miguel recommends: “Believe in your product and never mis-sell it. Quality must be your main goal, even if that means giving up growing too fast or industrializing.” For Pastelería Micheto, maintaining authenticity and tradition has been its hallmark for more than two centuries.
3. Nakoa: Tradition and quality as a basis for growth 🍫
Award-winning company: Nakoa
Key tip: Value your roots and adapt to the times without losing your essence.
Nakoa, known for its artisanal production of chocolates and candied fruits since 1858, has managed to stay true to its Zaragozan roots while adapting to market changes. The company has gone through several generations of the Roc family and now, under the direction of Francisco Moreno, continues to respect the traditional recipes that have distinguished them in the region.
The advice they offer is clear: “Don’t forget where you come from. Tradition is what makes your product special, but that doesn’t mean you can’t innovate”. For Jesús Iborra, Nakoa, the balance between tradition and adaptation is crucial to remain competitive. The company has maintained its artisanal essence while exploring new ways of marketing and expansion.
Sustainability, tradition and quality as drivers of success
The winners of the 2nd Agri-Food Show of Zaragoza agree on several fundamental points for business success: maintaining product quality, focusing on sustainability in every aspect of the business and never losing the roots of family tradition.
In addition, they all stress the importance of resilience: learning from mistakes, relying on others and not being afraid to ask for advice. In a sector as competitive as the agri-food sector, these values not only strengthen companies, but also contribute to rural development and the preservation of local products, which are fundamental to the local economy.
