In 2015, as we were looking for agricultural opportunities in Venezuela, we witnessed a surplus of green bananas in the Andes region. Farmers were planting banana trees alongside coffee plantations because their large leaves provided needed shade for coffee to grow. We wanted to make use of all the bananas that would otherwise be profitless. We then started manufacturing green banana flour, and saw the positive impact it had on farmers and their communities.
Branded Harinana, the first green banana flour in Venezuela, it has been acclaimed by consumers for its innovation, versatility and nutritional properties.
From production to R&D
From our experience with green banana flour, we assembled a team of nutritionists, food scientists and chefs and initiated R&D with the intention of adding value to our product.
As pasta lovers, we started making green banana flour based recipes. When we tasted the wholesome taste and al dente bite we achieved, and compared it to other alternative pasta products in the market, we decided to create and share PIENO with consumers. PIENO is the first shelf stable, grain free pasta made from green bananas.
Sharing PIENO with consumers
After securing manufacturers and suppliers in the USA, we made a test batch of 1,000 (8oz) boxes. We strategically launched in Boulder, CO (a mecca for the natural food industry) in November 2018 at 4 retail locations to get feedback from consumers and retailers.
We achieved sales traction of ~30 boxes (8oz) per month per store, and a loyal consumer base who praised PIENO for its nutrition (high fiber), wholesome taste and texture, and sustainability.
Ready to launch
In 2020, we experienced a delay in the arrival of our raw material and of our production schedule due to the current global pandemic.
In the meantime, we were able to secure an initial investment of $50,000 to cover the COGS of our production run and establish a sales partnership with an associate in order to better execute our retail sales strategy. As of today, twenty thousand boxes are codified and ready to launch in Sprouts Farmers Market and King Soopers stores in Colorado in May 2021.
Our strategy is to focus our growth by region starting in Colorado and California. We expect to be in 500 stores in the first year.
Disclaimer: These projections cannot be guaranteed.
Our experience with green bananas has showed us that this ancestral superfood is extremely versatile and can be incorporated into our daily diets in a plethora of ways and products. We expect to increase our product line so that we can deepen our impact in nutrition and sustainability, and make our products a staple of the American diet.
Join us on our mission to continue creating innovative food products from sustainable sources that are full of nutrition and taste!