Company
Patagonian Fruit
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Hugo Sanchez
“In the Rio Negro Valley we grow organic apples, pears and kiwis in a climate that naturally supports flavour and quality.”
Products
Organic apples
Organic pears
Organic kiwi's
Country
Argentina
Hi, I’m Hugo Sanchez, and together with my son Nicolás I grow organic apples, pears and kiwis for Nature & More in Argentina’s Rio Negro Valley. Our farms are located in one of the country’s most important fruit-growing regions, where climate, soil and water come together to create ideal conditions for high-quality fruit production.
Fruit growing in the Rio Negro Valley
The Rio Negro Valley has long been known as a prime region for apples and pears. Fertile soils, a protective valley structure and water from two rivers create a stable environment for fruit trees. Commercial fruit production expanded significantly after 1922, when the railway connected the region to export markets via Buenos Aires. Many packing houses were built alongside the tracks, shaping the fruit industry as it still exists today.
A network of orchards, one shared responsibility
Patagonian Fruit consists of several orchards, together covering around 600 hectares in the province of Rio Negro, at the northern edge of Patagonia. Most orchards are 20–30 hectares in size and are separated by rows of poplar trees that act as windbreaks. The farms are largely family-owned, with each grower taking responsibility for the orchard, the fruit and the people working there. Patagonian Fruit supports this network with harvest equipment, logistics and quality management.
Organic farming as a family choice
Our family decided to switch to organic farming around fifteen years ago, because we were no longer comfortable working with chemicals. Today we rely on compost to maintain soil fertility and work with nature as much as possible. Walking through the orchard, observing the trees and the fruit, remains one of the most rewarding parts of our work.
From orchard to export
To maintain quality and efficiency, Patagonian Fruit operates its own packing stations and logistics. During the harvest season, which runs from January to March, around 400 people work across the farms and packing facilities, supported by a permanent team of approximately 100 employees who live on or near the farms. Short distances between orchard and packing help preserve fruit quality and allow close monitoring at every stage.
Commitment beyond the farm
Beyond fruit production, Nicolás and I have long supported the Patagonian Desert Project, which helps Mapuche communities living in the harsh desert south of General Roca. Through this project, supported in part by Nature & More’s 1 Cent for the Future, we contribute to initiatives such as renewable energy, heating, greenhouses and education—linking organic fruit consumption directly to positive local impact.
Our positive impact
Climate
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Hugo and his family converted their orchards to organic farming about fifteen years ago, choosing to stop using chemicals.
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Organic production avoids synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, making the apples and pears significantly more energy-efficient than conventional fruit.
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CO₂ footprint measurements show the climate impact of one kilogram of organic apples and pears upon arrival in Europe.
Water
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The orchards use drip irrigation, which saves water and ensures trees receive only what they need.
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Water footprint studies show zero water pollution (grey water footprint = 0).
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Clean water use benefits both the environment and surrounding communities in the Rio Negro Valley.
Soil
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Soil fertility is maintained and improved through compost rather than chemical inputs.
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Hugo invested years in learning how to make high-quality compost that truly feeds the soil.
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Natural soil management reduces dependency on external inputs and strengthens long-term soil health.
Biodiversity
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Compost and livestock manure increase soil life such as microorganisms, earthworms, spiders and beetles.
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Indigenous plants and natural practices help maintain biodiversity in and around the orchards.
Individual
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Organic farming protects workers from exposure to synthetic pesticides, improving health and safety.
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Seasonal and permanent workers are employed under certified labour, health and safety standards required for European and North American markets.
Society
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Through the Patagonian Desert Project, Hugo and his son Nicolas support indigenous Mapuche communities in remote desert villages.
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The project provides heaters, solar panels, greenhouses, youth programmes, medical and dental care, and educational support.
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For every kilo of campaign fruit sold, at least €0.01 goes directly to these community projects.
Economy
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Patagonian Fruit consists of family-owned orchards totalling around 600 hectares in the Rio Negro province.
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By controlling growing, packing and logistics, the company ensures quality fruit and stable employment for around 400 people during harvest.
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True Cost of Food analyses show a significant positive benefit to society for organic apples and pears compared to conventional production.
Greetings from our farm!
Location
Rio Negro Valley, Patagonia, Argentina — where Hugo Sanchez and his family grow organic apples, pears and kiwis.
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