When Sandra de Blas returned from Finland after a forestry internship, she never imagined that she would end up turning an idea born in an entrepreneurship course into a project with international impact. Today, from her hometown, Pedrajas de San Esteban (Valladolid), she leads Natursnacksa small company that produces dehydrated fruits and vegetables in an artisanal and healthy way. With a mainly female team, they manage all the company’s processes and distribute and export their products thanks to the support of technology and connectivity.
“I have nothing to do with the agri-food world (…) There was a business creation course launched by the City Council of Valladolid (…) I was very creative and I thought why not sign up? Of course, when I read all the rules and everything I had to bring an idea. I didn’t have any idea in mind”.
From the home dehydrator to the rural workshop
Sandra literally started from scratch, filling her house with utensils and experimenting with a small dehydrator. With the help of her family, she developed an artisanal product, without preservatives or additives, which soon conquered the most demanding palates.
“We don’t put anything in the oven that we wouldn’t eat ourselves. In every little bag goes an added value.”
Natursnacks is committed to the circular economy and working with local farmers who farm sustainably.
“We work with family farmers with small plantations who pamper their crops. We understand each other and collaborate on fair terms.”
Innovation and technology at the service of the rural world
Although its processes are manual and traditional, Sandra has been able to incorporate technology to improve management and efficiency.
We do not have a sales team on the street. We sell everything by phone, WhatsApp or web. Digitalization allows us to control traceability and stock at the click of a button.
Their experience shows that innovation and tradition can coexist perfectly in the rural environment, generating quality products and local opportunities.
Entrepreneurship from the people
Her bakery is mainly staffed by local women, many of them over 40 years old. With more than a decade of experience, Sandra looks back with pride and learning:
I started when I was 22 years old, with no resources or experience. I call it poor entrepreneurship. If I were to do it again, I would do it again… but with everything I know.
Their story is an example of how talent, technology and roots can turn a rural idea into a project with international projection.
Listen to the full episode of Connecting RURAL to the world: “A rural idea that crosses borders. Natursnacks’ inspiring journey to success. “ and follow us to see and/or listen to the next episodes
