The Rainbow Nation, a family business that grows with innovation and investment

In the second issue of the GEN FOCO Empresarial block, the Arcoiris family business was the protagonist. Founded just over 22 years ago, it grew rapidly from the first moment it entered the local market to compete with other big brands that persist today.

Óscar Rafael Ortega, director of the company, pointed out that the firm never let itself be and that, to the extent possible, investments were made, development of new products to satisfy certain niches, which led the company to a situation of constant competition in the market.

The representative of the company said that they have always listened to the suggestions of the clients and with this attitude Arcoiris generated endless products that are currently highly requested, such as herbs, kitchen products, condiments, etc.

"We have the mentality that a company that does not listen to its customers in the long run loses all trustworthiness of them and, consequently, suffers in the market," explained Óscar Rafael Ortega.

He added that Arcoiris is very strongly positioned within the local market with years of experience that allows it to be a leader in the field of medicinal herbs and condiments.

"We have 80% of the sales ranking in herbs and 70% of sales in the condiments category," explained the director.

The company currently has more than 1,000 items in certified products suitable for sale and consumption by customers.

The firm received the Top of Mind recognition in salts and spices during 2021, which inspires greater strength and incentives to move forward with innovations, new products, opening new markets abroad, etc.

*calls mom at age 26 on how to get a money order*

— 50 piece mac mini Thu May 13 14:17:22 +0000 2021

Arcoiris is a brand that is present in various countries around the world such as the difficult market of the United States, Spain, where they have four distributors, Bolivia, Poland and Canada.

“We are making negotiations so that our products reach other markets such as the countries of Central America. We estimate that within this period we managed to close the first shipments”, said the director of Arcoiris.

The main products are herbs, condiments, various types of sauces and, the newest, the traditional and flavored yerba mate, as well as sweet bread.

HISTORY

Óscar Ortega (father), owner of the firm, reported that the family business started from scratch. After working for years, he decided to give up his occupation and dedicate himself to setting up and running his own business.

At that time, almost 23 years ago, Ortega began selling his few products, offering himself to the supermarket chains of the time. Nothing was easy, since he was rejected on several occasions. However, his persistence came to fruition and he had the opportunity to enter the gondolas of the then España supermarket, located on the avenue of the same name. “After that opportunity we had, it seemed that something was unleashed and from that moment on we have not stopped selling products, which made it possible for us to grow rapidly,” said Ortega.

He added that the first years the distribution of the products was carried out through a combi that is in force until today and that represents a symbol within the company, although it is no longer used; rather it is a relic and a living memory of the sacrifice the company made to get ahead.

HUMAN RESOURCES

The deputy manager of Human Resources, Alejandro González Ortega, explained that the company directly has a total of 286 personnel and another 200 people who collaborate indirectly who perform specific functions at times of high demand. "We are working during daytime hours only, except for a period in which we had a double shift to supply the demand that we had, which is why we almost collapsed,” said the deputy manager.

Regarding social responsibility, it is something that characterizes the company with the help it has provided to the community for years, such as a health center with supplies, clothing for doctors or extensions that they need. There are educational entities that they permanently help, which was accentuated during the pandemic.