In the agricultural and agro-industrial sector, few companies have achieved such an effective balance between sustainable growth and diversification as Las Chilcas. Mario Aguilar Benítez, the leader of this project and who recently participated in an interview with Agrositio, is a benchmark in the development of disruptive strategies, with an innovative focus on the circular economy. His career and vision have transformed Las Chilcas into an example of how to integrate different business units, diversify risks, and adopt sustainable technologies to achieve long-term success.
From Agriculture to Agroindustry: An Integrated Approach
Located in the northern part of the Córdoba province, Las Chilcas started as a company dedicated to agricultural production, but over time, it has evolved into agroindustry. Mario shared that the journey began with a focus on diversification, aiming to reduce the volatility and risks inherent in agriculture in a semi-marginal area. The company initially focused on cattle and pig farming but later incorporated more complex processes, such as alcohol and biogas production from corn.
One of the key pillars of this evolution was the development of a circular economy, where by-products generated in different activities are reused efficiently. An example of this is the use of biogas produced from waste from pig and cattle farms, which then powers the boilers in the alcohol distillation plant, helping to reduce energy costs and improve the environmental sustainability of the operation.
Sustainability: A Cross-Cutting Value
Sustainability has been a constant in the development of Las Chilcas. Mario mentioned that, although sustainability was not the initial reason for diversification, it has gained importance over time. Today, every new investment project in the company undergoes a sustainability filter, always aiming to maximize efficiency not only in economic terms but also in its social and environmental impact.
Overcoming Obstacles and Breaking Paradigms
Mario Aguilar Benítez’s career has not been without challenges. His return to Argentina from Chile marked a turning point for Las Chilcas. Upon his arrival, he had to face resistance to continuing with traditional methods in a family business. However, his ability to envision a more structured corporate model, as well as the need to professionalize management, led him to implement radical changes. Although it was not easy, consensus and teamwork among family members were key to carrying out these transformations.
Financing and Investment Strategy
One of the greatest challenges in the growth of Las Chilcas was financing large-scale projects, such as the pig farm, which required an initial investment of over $3 million. Fortunately, the company was able to take advantage of favorable economic conditions at the time, accessing subsidized loans and negative interest rates that allowed them to amortize the investment in record time. These financial strategies, along with long-term planning, have been essential to the company’s continued success.
Vision for the Future
Mario concluded the interview by sharing his dream of seeing Las Chilcas grow into a company that is listed on international stock markets. Although he acknowledges that this is a distant goal, his vision and leadership have demonstrated that, with effort and a clear strategy, dreams can become a reality.
Las Chilcas is an inspiring example of how innovation, diversification, and sustainability can be the pillars of success in the agro-industrial sector. Mario Aguilar Benítez’s ability to break paradigms and lead with a clear vision has allowed the company to grow sustainably, overcoming obstacles and adopting new technologies. The story of Las Chilcas is not only a testimony of business success but also a lesson in the power of resilience and teamwork.
