At 24, Miguel Chiri had a good job and succeed professionally, but I knew I wanted something else, be your own boss.
To this end, he saw a business idea that took at that time, he began to buy and sell breads different caterers. A start buying breads, pocketed and distributed. Eventually, he stopped buying and started producing himself with the knowledge bakery had. The bakery was always also the passion of his father.
It all started in 2012 Cundo Miguel he was associated with her sister Sarai and created the company Alitanta, derivation of words quechuas Allin and Tanta, meaning "good bread". Sarai worked at a catering company, and one day he told Miguel they were looking for a supplier of bread. It was then when it happened become the supplier.
The business began to grow rapidly, but the arrival of the pandemic brought great uncertainty. Today, however, Alitanta is returning to the path of growth through innovation and effort of this family.
Great challenges and great satisfaction
The onset of the pandemic led to an almost total cessation of the business of Chiri brothers. The cessation of operations of major corporate clients who had led his company to a sales decline that threatened their survival.
Miguel did not know what could happen, until he remembered an idea that gave him one of his first customers: the baked bread. Today, Alitanta produces and ships all prebaked loaves, which are put into an oven at 220 degrees for 6 minutes and left as if they leave the bakery. The company distributes all kinds of classic breads: French, rosette and ciabatta; and new products such as breads chili, cilantro, quinoa, among others.
Success is undeniable. In May, Alitanta exceeded its historical sales and has about 3,500 loyal customers during the pandemic.
The challenges brought this 2020 have made Miguel and Sarai see things differently. "What I've learned to appreciate is the commitment of workers," says Miguel. Against all odds, this year also managed to inaugurate a new bakery plant 500 square meters. The previous home had 200.
Together we grow to Alitanta
Alicorp support has been instrumental to achieve Alitanta recover from the crisis caused by the pandemic. From Alicorp Solutions it has offered its support through training programs aimed at developing new products for bakers teachers. He has also conducted courses for the technical area and has led to improvements in plant processes. In that sense, the advice given was crucial for the company to start preparing whole grain products.
Alitanta Alicorp's also received information on strategies to revive and improve the business. Here, a key point has been the impetus for the creation of digital platforms of the company, through which they receive most orders currently. Another important aspect has been the virtual counseling to monitor biosafety protocols that allow for the delivery of pre-baked breads.
2020 has been a challenging year, but Miguel knows that with hard work, Alitanta can get ahead. "My biggest advice for young people who wish to undertake is to follow their dreams. Making business is not easy; It has to endure the first few months can be very hard. The most important thing is consistency, "he advises.