Agrícola Ballerina is a Chilean producer of walnuts and almonds, cultivating its own orchards across a 2,500-hectare farm located in the Quilamuta valley, near Lake and River Rapel. This privileged location provides deep, nutrient-rich soils, reliable water sources, and a natural cooling effect during the hot summers of Chile’s central valley—key factors in achieving consistent quality and yield.
Combined with state-of-the-art farming practices and modern processing equipment, Agrícola Ballerina has positioned itself as a reliable long-term partner in international markets. In this interview, Fernando Córdova shares insights into the company’s production philosophy, competitive advantages, and vision for sustainable growth.
Could you describe Ballerina Farms and its production of almonds and walnuts?
Since 1992, Ballerina Farms has specialized in the cultivation, packing, and export of walnuts and almonds. Over more than three decades, the company has built a strong global reputation for product quality and reliability in fulfilling commercial commitments.
Located in the Rapel Valley in Chile’s Sixth Region, Ballerina Farms benefits from fertile soils and a privileged Mediterranean climate, enabling the production of world-class almonds and walnuts.
Its operation integrates every stage of the value chain—orchards, processing, packing, commercialization, and after-sales—combining artisanal precision with cutting-edge technology. This vertically integrated model ensures full control, efficiency, and consistent quality across all products.
What makes your almond varieties suitable for premium markets?
Ballerina Farms’ almonds are grown under ideal Mediterranean conditions that allow the fruit to fully express its potential in size, color, texture, and flavor—qualities that clearly differentiate them from other origins.
The counter-seasonal advantage of Chile also allows the company to supply fresh almonds when Northern Hemisphere production is at its lowest.
Premium varieties such as Non Pareil stand out for their sweeter flavor, thin skin, and ease of blanching, making them especially suitable for high-end confectionery and premium direct consumption.
Additionally, the phytosanitary isolation provided by the Andes Mountains, efficient water management, and strict compliance with international food safety standards ensure almonds with excellent organoleptic quality and high consistency.
How do you balance the supply of in-shell and shelled products according to customer needs?
Each season, the balance between in-shell and shelled walnuts is defined by quality results, size distribution, and commercial criteria.
In-shell walnuts are primarily destined for markets such as India and Turkey, where shell color and external appearance are key attributes.
More sophisticated markets—mainly in Europe—drive demand for shelled walnuts, where quality kernels, either in halves or quarters, are highly valued.
There is no fixed formula, as every season presents a different scenario. Ultimately, achieving maximum quality in the orchards remains the main criterion guiding these commercial decisions.
What sustainability or traceability practices define your operations?
Sustainability is a core pillar of Ballerina Farms’ operations. The company has made significant investments in advanced water management systems, including reservoirs and fully technified irrigation managed online, optimizing water use efficiency.
High-density orchards, full mechanization, improved energy efficiency, and optimized land use further support sustainable production.
In terms of traceability, modern control systems and reliable ERP platforms ensure complete tracking—from raw material in the orchard to the finished export product—supported by real-time data and strict food safety standards.
Why is Chile a reliable origin for nuts in global trade?
Chile’s geographic conditions, agricultural expertise, high quality standards, and economic and institutional stability make it a uniquely reliable food-producing country.
An extensive network of free trade agreements, ongoing efforts to expand market access, and the strong support of institutions such as ProChile reinforce Chile’s credibility in global markets.
Chile’s ability to rapidly adapt to premium market requirements, combined with consistent compliance with sanitary and food safety regulations, has positioned the country as a trusted and differentiated origin for high-quality nuts worldwide.
Ballerina Farms (Agrícola Ballerina)
Contact: Fernando Cordova
Email: fernando.cordova@ballerina.cl
