OUR MISSION:
Sharing quinoa with the world. By so doing we aim to improve both the incomes of smallholder Andean farmers and the health of consumers.
A tradition of FARMING
Quinoa has been grown by smallholder farmers for over 4,000 years in the high Andes mountains. Family farms have small plots with 2 to 20 acres.
Farmers harvest and clean their quinoa by hand before selling it for further cleaning and export.
Improving LIVES
We wanted to make it possible for thousands of smallholder farmers to improve their lives by accessing the international markets that demand purity, safety, uniformity at industrial volumes.
FOUNDED in 2008
Jacha Inti was founded in La Paz- Bolivia in 2008 by U.S., French and Bolivian entrepreneurs. Together they worked to resolve the supply chain issues keeping quinoa from regaining its status as a staple food.
Today Jacha Inti is the recognized leading processor and supplier of organic quinoa to the world. It all started out solving one supply chain risk and challenge at a time.
This is our TIMELINE.
2004-2008
Jacha Inti starts out as a Pre-Shipment Laboratory to better understand quality and risks in quinoa
Risks and Challenges:
Sticks, stones, glass and wide range of microbial levels in quinoa. Unreliable quality typical to a commodity grown and field-cleaned by smallholder farmers.
Actions:
Developed the first standards and specifications for quinoa, which went on to be the foundation for today’s industry standards.
We still sample 100% of supersacks in each shipment and manually inspect 4 kilos of quinoa to count every stick, twig and stone. We send a sample to an independent lab for microbial and chemical analyses.
2008-2010
Built a re-cleaning and export facility in Bolivia
Risks and Challenges Identified:
Leading food companies requesting adherence to Global Food Safety Initiative Standards (GFSI) and needed uniform quality in every shipment. Growing volumes presented more complex logistics and required inventory management to cope with larger orders.
Actions:
JISA builds a re-cleaning (or “refining”) facility to purchase from multiple plants, re-run the last phase of cleaning and pack to assure uniform quality.
On-site storage provides control of inventories and ability to offer larger contracts
Export logistics provides control of shipment timing and deliveries
2010-2012
Full Quinoa Processing in Bolivia
Risks and Challenges Identified:
Quinoa varies in taste, texture and microbial load depending on where and how it is polished, washed and dried.
Actions and results:
We built the first high capacity factory in Bolivia to clean, polish, wash and dry. It was then integrated with final cleaning and refining phase.
Finished product quality improved with less bitter quinoa which absorbs more water during cooking.
High heat drying process controls microbial loads
JISA could now buy raw quinoa directly from farmers and launch partnerships with them
2012-Today
Working directly with smallholder growers
Challenges:
1- With quinoa grown and field-cleaned by smallholder farmers, each is an aggregate from multiple farms. This makes homogeneous quality and traceability challenging.
2- Smallholder’s incomes vary greatly based on input costs, yields, and surface planted. Without a way to collect the data financial impact is difficult to account for.
Actions and Results:
Jacha Inti launches a Supplier Development Program. Today it includes 169 farms impacting over 1,000 lives. This program provides traceability to each farmer’s plot.
Farmers are provided financing, training and tools to obtain their Fair-trade, Organic and Regenerative certifications (ROC Certification)
Soil Health Program started in 2017
2012-Today
The right quinoa for the right application
Challenges:
Quinoa struggles to grow as an industrial food ingredient in spite of its plant-based protein and nutritional attributes. Pasta manufacturers, millers, etc. are struggling to find the right quinoa for their applications and as a result, there is little innovation and the percentage of quinoa used is very small.
Actions:
Broadening portfolio to include mill-grade quinoa. Lower-cost quinoa options become available in large volumes.
OUR CERTIFICATIONS and accreditations
Food Safety and Quality:
FSSC 22000 meets the GFSI Benchmarking Requirements
Social Standards:
Certified Fair Trade USA
Agricultural Production Standards:
Certified Organic EU and NOP
Other:
Certified Kosher
Gluten-Free Testing Available
Food Safety & Quality Policy (FSSC 22000)
Jacha Inti Industrial S.A. is dedicated to the processing and commercialization of quinoa and quinoa-based ingredients. Our primary goal is to ensure the quality and safety of our products. Our policy is guided by the following commitments:
- Comply with all requirements of the Food Safety Management System based on FSSC 22000.
- Meet all applicable legal, regulatory, and mutually agreed customer requirements regarding food safety and quality.
- Maintain and continually improve both internal and external communication.
- Strengthen the competence and commitment of our personnel in all matters related to food safety and quality.
- Promote a strong food safety and quality culture at every level of the organization.
Senior management demonstrates its commitment to the Food Safety Management System and to continuous improvement through joint work with all personnel to achieve these objectives.
Approved by:
Oscar Saavedra, Antonio Salazar, Fabricio Núñez de Arco, José Luis López
FOOD SAFETY, QUALITY and Production Teams
Cecilia Rivera
Quality Control Manager
Meet Cecilia Rivera, our dedicated Head of Quality Control at Jacha Inti Industrial. With a background in Chemical Engineering and over 15 years of experience in quality assurance and production in the food industry, Cecilia is the driving force behind our pursuit of excellence.
Cecilia holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés and a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Entrepreneurship and Marketing from the Universidad Privada Boliviana. Cecilia’s experience ensures that our products meet the highest quality standards.
At Jacha Inti, Cecilia leads a team of talented laboratory technicians who meticulously examine quinoa seeds daily, assessing moisture, purity, saponin content, and size. They also review chemical and microbiological analysis results and conduct sensory tests on samples to ensure the quality of each batch.
In her free time, Cecilia enjoys traveling and playing sports with her family.
Beatriz Gutierrez
Food Safety Supervisor
Meet Beatriz Rebeca Gutierrez Guerra, the diligent Head of Food Safety and Process Control at Jacha Inti Industrial S.A. With over 5 years of experience in the company, Beatriz exemplifies her commitment to quality and safety in every aspect of her work.
Beatriz plays a crucial role in implementing and enhancing the Food Safety Management System at Jacha Inti, adhering to the FSSC 22000 scheme that represents the highest standard in product safety. As the head of Jacha Inti’s process control laboratory, Beatriz ensures that all products maintain their quality and safety throughout each production stage.
With a background in management consulting and a 15-year career in standardization, regulation, and certification, Beatriz brings a wealth of experience to her role. She has served as the National Head of Standardization at the Bolivian Institute for Standardization and Quality – IBNORCA, and as a consultant to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations – FAO. These roles have equipped her with a deep understanding of food safety.
When Beatriz isn’t busy ensuring the highest standards at Jacha Inti, she enjoys spending time with her family and pets, cherishing these moments of relaxation. Her dedication to excellence in her professional life is matched only by her dedication to her loved ones, making her a steadfast figure in the Jacha Inti family.
Jose Luis López
Plant Manager
José Luis López is the Chief Production Officer at Jacha Inti Industrial S.A., a seasoned expert with over 29 years of experience across the food, packaging, and mining sectors. For almost a decade, José Luis has been at the helm of production at Jacha Inti, managing the company’s warehouses, raw materials, and finished products.
José Luis is dedicated to ensuring efficiency and adhering to the FSSC 22000 standard throughout the entire production process. He leads a team of committed workers and supervisors, promoting a respectful and collaborative environment that prioritizes good management and positive economic results. Continuously seeking improvement, José Luis focuses on refining processes, enhancing interpersonal relationships, and ensuring personnel safety.
When he’s not hard at work, José Luis pursues his passion for gardening, tending to his impressive collection of fruit trees, including apple, apricot, peach, cherry, quince, pear, blackberry, and walnut varieties. José Luis López’s extensive experience and unwavering commitment to excellence make him an invaluable member of the Jacha Inti team and an inspiration to his colleagues.
Antonio Salazar
Co-Founder, R&D Manager
Antonio Salazar is a dedicated industrial engineer and Bolivian entrepreneur with a passion for innovation. A graduate of Colegio San Ignacio and Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, Antonio holds a degree in industrial engineering and a Master’s in Business Administration, with a specialization in corporate management. Always eager to expand his knowledge, Antonio has studied the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a subject that truly captivates him.
Though originally drawn to astrophysics, Antonio found his true calling in the world of industrial process design and the integration of cutting-edge technologies. As the co-founder of Jacha Inti, a quinoa processing factory, he’s the mastermind behind 70% of its equipment design and the entire production process.
When he’s not revolutionizing the quinoa industry, Antonio loves flying drones and indulging his inner Formula 1 fan. As the Chief Operations Officer and Head of R&D at Jacha Inti, Antonio’s ingenuity and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on the Bolivian quinoa business, inspiring the next generation of young entrepreneurs.
MARKET Team
Winston Franck
Commercial Manager
Winston Franck brings over 20 years of experience in international trade and export management to Jacha Inti. With an MBA in International Finance and a career working with clients across North America, Europe, and Asia, he understands the expectations of global buyers and communicates clearly and professionally in English.
Before joining Jacha Inti, Winston led international sales and logistics for leading Bolivian food and textile companies, where he strengthened export operations and improved on-time delivery performance. His background gives him a solid grasp of forecasting, compliance, multimodal logistics, and the practical requirements of large retail and industrial customers.
At Jacha Inti, Winston works closely with buyers to understand their needs, coordinate the right commercial and logistical solutions, and ensure dependable service throughout the supply chain.
Oscar Vargas
Sales Manager
Oscar Vargas, Jacha Inti’s globetrotting Exports Manager, has built an impressive 15-year career in international trade, with eight of those years dedicated to the quinoa industry. Armed with an MBA from Taiwan and three years of work experience in China, Oscar’s fluency in English and conversational Chinese allows him to connect with a diverse range of clients and colleagues.
Passionate about exporting quinoa and other superfoods, Oscar is committed to helping clients achieve their goals while expanding access to these nutritious products worldwide. When he’s not busy managing exports, he enjoys traveling the globe and visiting quinoa fields to stay connected to the source of his work.
Oscar’s rich professional background includes roles as a Commercial Manager, Export Consultant, and Export Officer, with experience in various industries such as organic food, mining, and chemical production. After navigating the cutthroat industrial resins and mining industries, Oscar found his true calling in promoting natural and organic products. His extensive knowledge and well-rounded expertise make him the perfect fit for Jacha Inti’s team and an essential component of the company’s success.
Fabricio Nuñez de Arco
Co-Founder, Strategic Manager
Fabricio Nuñez de Arco, a founding partner and Head of Strategy at Jacha Inti, is a purpose-driven French-Bolivian entrepreneur with an unwavering commitment to social impact. After obtaining his MBA from the prestigious Thunderbird School of Global Management, Fabricio took up a position at the World Bank in Bolivia. Soon after, he joined forces with his partners to create Jacha Inti, intent on uplifting underprivileged communities in his homeland.
Fascinated by the immense potential of Royal Quinoa, Fabricio has spent 15 years working closely with small farmers, managing risks at the source, and broadening access to this extraordinary superfood across the globe. His dedication to the industry and its transformative power remains as strong as ever.
In his free time, Fabricio is a bona fide basketball fanatic. He not only founded and runs Kinwa Club, a basketball school teaching the sport to over 200 children, but he has also coached a professional basketball team in Bolivia. Fabricio’s steadfast devotion to both his professional and personal passions is a testament to his determination to create meaningful change in the world.
Oscar Saavedra
Co-Founder, CEO
Meet Oscar Saavedra, the steadfast CEO and one of the founders of Jacha Inti Industrial. A passionate advocate for Bolivian entrepreneurship, Oscar uses his extensive understanding of local challenges to guide the company towards efficiency and excellence.
Oscar holds degrees in Commercial Engineering from the Universidad de Aquino Bolivia and Business Administration from the Universidad Católica Boliviana. He also earned a Master’s degree in “Strategies, Policies, and Development Projects” from the Universidad San Francisco Xavier de Sucre, and a Diploma in “Financial Management and Administration” from the University of Chile.
Early in his career, Oscar served as Executive Director at FUNDACIÓN NEOEMPRESA, a business incubator. He specialized in business and commercial management consulting, assisting in the creation of business plans for budding ventures.
Furthermore, Oscar’s experience includes directing specialized consultancy teams and providing business advisory services to SMEs at Construyendo Empresas. There, he designed strategic plans for multiple organizations. His proven expertise in commercial management and strategic planning ensures that Jacha Inti operates to the highest standards of efficiency and quality.
Oscar is multilingual, holding proficiency certifications in Portuguese, French, Italian, and English. This linguistic proficiency equips him to interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and navigate the global marketplace.Outside of work, Oscar is an avid basketball fan. His love for the game is so profound that it led him to meet fellow enthusiast and company colleague, Fabricio. He enjoys traveling, especially when he can catch a live NBA game. Oscar embodies the principle that entrepreneurial excellence can indeed be achieved in Bolivia, and he brings this belief to life every day at Jacha Inti Industrial.
Sergio Nuñez de Arco
Co-Founder, External Consultant in Quinoa Applications and Markets
Sergio Nunez de Arco is a passionate quinoa expert and French-Bolivian entrepreneur who co-founded Andean Naturals in 2004, which he successfully sold to Ardent Mills in 2020. Fueled by a mission to promote sustainable agriculture, support smallholder farmers in Bolivia, and provide U.S. consumers with nutritious, gluten-free quinoa, Sergio is truly living his dream. Recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the “13 people who most influence what we eat,” his efforts have helped Jacha Inti become the go-to source for organic, fair trade quinoa. When he’s not championing the quinoa cause, Sergio can be found fly-fishing, walking his dog in the woods, or enjoying the great outdoors. As a UC Berkeley graduate with a BS in Political Economy of Natural Resources, Sergio possesses the perfect blend of intellect and adventurous spirit. He resides in the picturesque Sierra Nevada foothills of Northern California with his wife and three sons, always eager to embark on a journey to visit the farmers in Bolivia.
FIELD TEAM, FARMER PROGRAMS and Human Resources
Raúl Esprella
Lead Field Agronomist
Meet Raúl C. Esprella Elias, our Head of Supplier Programs at Jacha Inti. Raúl is an experienced agronomist with a passion for agroecology, sustainable rural development, and integrated pest management. Born and raised in La Paz, Bolivia, he is fluent in Spanish and Aymara, and has a working knowledge of English.
Raúl holds a BS in Agricultural Engineering from the Universidad Mayor de San Simón, with a focus on plant production. He has completed several postgraduate courses in areas such as agroecology, rural development, and integrated pest management, including a Master’s in Agroecology and Sustainable Rural Development (currently completing his thesis) from Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, and a diploma in Higher Education from Universidad Pública del Alto.
At Jacha Inti, Raúl works closely with quinoa and cañahua producers in the Altiplano region, ensuring the sustainable development and growth of these traditional Andean crops. His extensive academic background, combined with his commitment to environmentally friendly practices and support for local communities, make him an invaluable member of our team.
José Santa Cruz
Agronomist, Soil Health Programs
José Santa Cruz, Jacha Inti’s Regenerative Organic Agriculture expert and Market Intelligence Analyst, boasts over 20 years of experience in development, covering agriculture, food security, higher education, and more. As a Fulbright Scholar, José earned an MS in Agricultural Economics from Oklahoma State University, building on his BS in Agriculture, and has recently specialized in soil microbiology.
At Jacha Inti, José spearheads research and development, supporting small quinoa producers in the southern Bolivian highlands to ensure sustainability. Passionate about the environment and sustainable practices, José firmly believes in “SAVE THE SOIL!” With fluency in English and native Spanish, he skillfully builds relationships and collaborates with diverse stakeholders.
José’s extensive knowledge and experience make him an invaluable asset to the Jacha Inti team, where he fervently champions regenerative agriculture and environmental betterment.
Jorge Roque
Human Resources Manager
Jorge Roque, Jacha Inti’s dynamic Human Resources Manager, boasts over a decade of experience in the quinoa industry and a strong background in organizational psychology. With his commitment to ethical and fair labor practices, Jorge has a knack for ensuring the company is staffed with highly skilled professionals dedicated to producing top-quality quinoa.
A lifelong learner, Jorge has an impressive educational background including a Master’s in Business Administration, Organizational Development, and various certifications in People Analytics, Labor Law, and Occupational Health and Safety Management. His well-rounded expertise makes him an indispensable part of the Jacha Inti team.
When Jorge isn’t busy cultivating a positive work environment for the company’s employees, he can be found diving into literature, tuning in to educational podcasts, or pushing his limits with CrossFit. With his unique blend of professional skills and personal interests, Jorge is a true asset to Jacha Inti and a perfect complement to the team.
>> Watch Raúl’s interview in Insider Business’ “Why Royal Quinoa Is So Expensive.”
Also featuring our cleaning facility and quinoa farmers!
Andean Quinoa FARMERS
The very foundation of our organization are the smallholder Andean quinoa farmers. Learn more about how your purchases impact their livelihood, lands, and the environment… and meet some of the farmers that grow your quinoa!