Ores LarioText
Ángel NavarretePhotographs
Updated
Among the childhood memories of Angel Minaya from Cuenca (born in 1990), the field holds a special place. “It was my hobby, and since the age of six, I helped my family work the land. I’ve always been very responsible. By the age of 9 or 10, I was driving a tractor, and all that exposure to the field forged a strong bond with agriculture,” he recalls. With a smile, he adds that while his parents advised him to consider other career paths, he remained steadfast in pursuing his passion.
Minaya pursued a higher degree in energy efficiency and renewable energies, which equipped him to transform traditional family farms. He shifted their focus from cereal crops to vineyards , later incorporating almonds and olive trees cultivated with modern techniques. In 2016, he founded AGROPTIMUM, a company focused on supplying nurseries to other farmers, providing not only plants but also consulting and advisory services.
Today, AGROPTIMUM boasts an impressive annual production of approximately one million plants . Minaya’s standout venture? Pistachio cultivation. Recognizing the potential of this nut in Spain, he has become the largest provider of quality plants and seeds in the region. The company operates across 75,000 square meters of advanced nurseries located in Villanueva de la Jara, within the La Manchuela Conquense area.
Minaya’s ambition drove him to the United States to explore best practices in pistachio farming. “Having never flown before, I traveled to California in 2019 to learn how their operations ran,” he reminisces. A contact introduced him to the University of Davis and Álvaro García, an experienced businessman who later became his partner. During this trip, Minaya observed the excellent tree conditions and realized that the keys to success were rooted in genetics and controlled development. He then decided to replicate these methods in Spain, saying, “Today, we can produce in three years what previously took us twelve.”
Now, Minaya manages 226 hectares of his own pistachio plantations, experimenting with innovative management practices utilizing artificial intelligence . His main business revolves around high-level plant production and advising for optimal crop management. “We focus on every aspect of the pistachio business,” Minaya explains, leading a team of over 170 employees . In 2024, the company reported revenues of €17 million, with ambitions to reach €20 million in 2025.
The secret behind this success lies in a seed known as “The Ferrari of Seeds”, noted for its resilience against salinity, diseases, and cold weather.
A game-changing initiative underway is the establishment of a dry fruit processor , marking a pivotal step in his comprehensive business model—from genetics to commercialization. By creating this new facility, Minaya aims to close the circle in pistachio production, positioning himself as a global leader in the industry.
New plant, located in Villanueva de la Jara, Cuenca
“Our commitment is now to treat the fruit with maximum respect and quality, positioning ourselves as the farmer’s trusted transformation center,” Minaya states with conviction.
The new processing plant, underpinned by an initial investment of eight million euros , integrates cutting-edge processing technology. It features precision peeling, continuous drying, and optical sorting, producing value-added products such as flours, pasta, and chopped pistachios.
The entire process is designed to be completed in under 48 hours post-harvest, with plans to process 1,000 tons of dry pistachios in the inaugural year, anticipating an increase to 15,000 tons . This growth will be accompanied by automation enhancements, infrastructure expansion, and projected profits of up to 10 million euros , with a strong focus on exports to regions including Europe, the Middle East, and Asia .