UCHU’s Team 2023 Unwrapped
At the heart of UCHU are our team members, the driving force behind everything we do. We've fostered a culture that values collaboration and individual growth, encouraging each person to explore their professional paths and align their skills with our collective mission. Reflecting on 2023, it's been a year filled with noteworthy achievements and milestones, both personally and professionally for our team. Come celebrate these successes with us, showcasing the dedication and spirit that each team member brings to UCHU.
Welcoming New Faces, New Graduates and Some Promotions
Team Pizca in Peru - 2023 Christmas celebration.
Vale, Andre, Gaby and Judith - Graduates 2023.
Team Proaji in Ecuador - 2023 Christmas Celebration.
Let's start by introducing the new additions to our team. They're bringing new ideas and fresh energy that we’re all excited about!
In Peru, our team expanded with Karla Susaya joining Operations, Karla Zapatel and Jhorly Ordóñez bolstering our Agriculture team, Cristina Zapata joining Accounting, and Karolin Pintado enhancing our Quality department.
In Ecuador, we welcomed Alisson Abarca in Management Systems, Ana Torres into our Commercial team, Adrian Ferrin in Agriculture, and Anderson Tandazo in Accounting.
Each of these new members is not just joining a team; they're starting a journey to make their own unique mark on our company.
Our Graduates:
This year some of our team members also celebrated the accomplishment of graduating, all while adeptly balancing their personal commitments with their professional roles. We're extending a big round of applause for their incredible hard work and tenacity.
Gabriela Rojas - Chief Accountant - Masters in Integral Auditing and Business Management.
"Returning to the academic world after years was like starting anew," she explains. "It required relearning how to balance being a student, a professional, and a family member."
Valeria Freire - Commercial and Logistic Coordinator - Master's in Logistic Management
"The opportunity to undertake this academic program was not only a privilege that enriched my knowledge but also strengthened my professional skills and competencies,"
Judith Luna - Agricultural Manager - Masters in Business Administration.
"This master's degree has been instrumental in my daily work. It has enhanced my skills in managing both human and economic resources effectively,"
Andrea Zambrano - Plant Manager - Master's degree in Supply Chain Management and Operations
"Studying something outside my field made the learning process much more intriguing, and gives me a new perspective on ongoing situations."
Alisson Abarca - Management Systems Coordinator -
Alisson's team won the "Aguas Encantadas" research project contest conducted by Galapagos Hub. "In 2023, I participated in the Aguas Encantadas contest and we won. Our project addresses the treatment of wastewater in agricultural areas to protect the islands' aquifers and groundwater."
Carlos Alcivar - Floor Supervisor - Bachelor Degree
"During my classes, I managed to find time for both work and study, which allowed me to improve in many areas. I constantly learned from my peers and focused on my graduation exam, successfully meeting my 2023 goal."
Karolin Pintado - Quality Assurance - Food Engineering
One of the newest members of the UCHU team, Karolin´s dedication and expertise are invaluable to our team, and we're excited to see her contributions moving forwards!
Promotions Spotlight: Cheers to Hard Work
2023 also witnessed the recognition of several of our colleagues to new leadership roles.
In Peru, Neil Montalvo stepped up as Agricultural Manager, and Alicia Suarez assumed the role of Plant Manager.
In Ecuador, Andrea Zambrano transitioned into the Plant Manager role, Roberto Penarreta took on the role of Planning Coordinator, Judith Luna stepped up as Agricultural Manager, Pablo Beron advanced to Head of Technical Sales, and Denis Mendoza ascended to the role of Quality Control Supervisor.
On the Operational Side
MK - Stone Mill: Optimized the process of 3 machines in 1, obtaining better product quality.
Pizca record setting container
Our Co-Founder Phillip Baker with part of Team Pizca in Peru
We're really excited about the cool things our team has achieved this year, but we also want to spotlight the team's efforts in bringing new ideas to life. Over the past year, we've enhanced some of our processes, thanks to the introduction of a few new machines. Check them out next!
Equipment Upgrades: The Making of Our Operations
In Peru, we introduced a new Omatt (Dryer). This equipment has not only increased our drying capacity but also brought about significant updates to our dehydration processes.
In Ecuador, our team has made several strides with three key pieces of equipment:
The MK (Stone Mill) has drastically improved our puree process by combining the functions of three machines into one, resulting in higher quality and yield.
The Dosi (Particle Dosifier) enables us to quickly package dried finished products, particularly in convenient 1kg bags.
A New Fruit Washer (with Ozonated Water) is designed to eliminate the use of chemicals and disinfectants. This machine works using ozone, purifying the water while also achieving a 30% reduction in water consumption.
Pizca Production Plant's FSC22000
This year at the Pizca Production Plant in Peru we reached a significant milestone. Under the leadership of Alicia, our Plant Manager, the plant successfully followed up on its FSC22000 certification, a mark of excellence and commitment to quality. Alicia explains, "Achieving this certification was a collective effort. It reflects our dedication to offering products that our customers can trust and rely on for quality."
Another highlight of this year is the increase in female leadership within various departments; including Human Resources, Quality, and Agriculture. 2023 has been a landmark year for Pizca in terms of exports, achieving record numbers of shipments.
Some Special Moments
Cheers to Gabriela's Big Day!
Big shoutout to Gabriela Rojas for getting hitched this year! Here's to a journey filled with as much success and happiness as you've brought to UCHU!
Anderson Rocks His Engagement
Hats off to Anderson for pulling off an epic engagement at a concert! That's how you make a memory! Congrats! 🎉🎸
In 2023, we didn't just grow chillies; we grew as a team, as professionals, and as actors in our field. Here's to a future that's as bright and spicy as the flavors we aim to bring to the world.
Want to know more about our team?