What were the key developments and achievements at Altiara over the past year?

From late 2023 through 2024, we redefined our commercialization strategy and organized our product offerings into three core categories: Organic, Nutrition and Hi-Tech. 

The Hi-Tech Line features six recently off-patent molecules, along with several novel adjuvants, making a total of 14 products. All are designed to address strong market demand while complementing our biocontrol system.

The Nutrition Line comprises high-quality, products developed through advanced chemical reactions, giving them a competitive edge in the market. Producing them locally in Mexico further enhances our competitiveness.

The Organic Line have significantly expanded this category to include OMRI-certified products, with six more in the final stages of certification. These new launches have enabled us to exceed budgetary expectations and strengthen our position for future growth. We also maintain rigorous quality control across all products, ensuring 100% traceability.

Over time, we have refined our portfolio to offer comprehensive treatments for various pests and fungal diseases, including nematode management and solutions for multiple insect families. These additions allow us to provide holistic pest and disease control.

What progress has Altiara made in expanding its export footprint?

We have begun exporting to the Dominican Republic and recently shipped our first order to Colombia. Several of our products are already being distributed in Panama.

We are actively pursuing expansion into other countries, including Peru and several Central American nations, where registration processes are underway. Our predominantly young and female team is highly focused on these objectives and operates with a strong culture of equity, creating a positive, inclusive work environment. 

What challenges has the agricultural industry faced in 2024?

Water shortages have posed a severe challenge, particularly in regions like Sonora, Sinaloa and Baja California, which are key markets for us. The lack of water has reduced cultivated acreage considerably—affecting around 50% of vegetable production. Many vegetable growers have switched to other crops to sustain their operations, impacting the local economy. Potato production has faced similar hardships, making this a particularly difficult period for agriculture in these regions.

Additionally, unregistered products remain a significant concern in Mexico, representing about 25–30% of the market’s value. These products bypass regulatory standards and reach farmers directly, placing compliant companies at a disadvantage. The current registration process is both costly and time-consuming, discouraging adherence to regulations. To resolve this issue, authorities must streamline registration procedures and incentivize compliance to safeguard market integrity. Fortunately, we have navigated these conditions successfully, allowing us to stay on a positive trajectory despite the challenges.

What is Altiara’s approach to innovation and sustainable product development?

Modern consumers from restaurants to individual households are placing a higher priority on nutrition over appearance, seeking nutrient-dense foods with longer shelf life. We address these demands by employing specialized nutrition formulas and biostimulants, ensuring the production of high-nutrition foods that match consumer preferences. This is especially important in markets like Europe, where nutritional value and shelf life often take precedence over visual appeal.

Still, a purely organic approach can be challenging and occasionally impractical for certain crops. For example, weed management in vineyards may be more cumbersome and expensive using organic methods compared to controlled, soil-degradable applications of conventional treatments with common herbicides. While organic farming offers clear benefits, it is not always economically viable or efficient. Hybrid solutions that integrate both organic and chemical components can strike the right balance between efficacy and environmental responsibility. We have pioneered pest control solutions by combining organic extracts with synthetic compounds—like bacillus-based products—providing cost-effective and highly efficient results.

To further support our export markets, we have developed advanced fertilizer combinations that extend product shelf life, making them more resilient during extended shipping times to destinations such as Japan and Europe. We engage in scientific research every day, backed by commercial partners who share our vision, which enables us to continually innovate and stay ahead of changing market demands.

What are Altiara’s expectations for the coming year?

We are focused on expanding our international footprint and forging strategic partnerships abroad. Our aim is to remain agile and independent, allowing us to make swift decisions and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Our 2025 strategy is ambitious, and we are confident that our dynamic, fast-paced approach will sustain our growth and position us for further expansion.