In the heart of the San Felipe commune, in Chile's Fifth Region, lies the Baika Processing Plant, a leader in citrus and avocado processing. Operating year-round, this plant combines cutting-edge technology with a sustainable approach to deliver high-quality products to both the national and international markets.

Baika's operations are organized into two main seasons. Between April and May, the processing of citrus fruits such as clementines, lemons, oranges, tangerines, and grapefruits begins. Subsequently, between August and September, depending on the harvest, the avocado season begins and extends until January.

During February and March, the plant performs equipment maintenance, ensuring operational continuity and efficiency. With a modern, automated line, Baika has the capacity to process between 200,000 and 250,000 kilograms per shift. This system, which boasts a 70% automation level, covers everything from calibration to automatic palletizing, optimizing product handling and reducing operating times.

In 2022, the plant made a significant investment in technology, implementing substantial improvements in packaging, quality control, and palletizing. For example, increasing the number of lanes on the calibrator from 6 to 8 allowed for increased processing capacity. Furthermore, the addition of 6 automatic bulk handling machines, with a throughput of 2.5 cases per minute, enabled up to 50% of daily production to be handled by this equipment.

In addition, the automated palletizers, which handle between 40% and 60% of daily palletizing, ensured greater efficiency in handling large volumes. These innovations allowed Baika to increase its efficiency by 33%, reaching up to 400,000 kilograms per day during peak production.

The quality of Baika's processes is backed by high-level international certifications. The plant holds BRC A+ certification, which it obtained even in unannounced audits, and other certifications from major retailers such as Walmart and Tesco. Furthermore, it complies with SMETA standards and best agricultural and manufacturing practices, positioning itself as a benchmark for quality in the industry.

In 2024, the Baika Processing Plant faced a unique challenge with the massive export of Argentine lemons between October and the present, processing nearly 4,000 tons. This unexpected surge in demand forced the plant to implement a second shift, demonstrating its ability to adapt quickly to extraordinary circumstances. Looking ahead to 2025, Baika projects growth of 10% to 15%, with the potential to reach 30%, depending on market conditions. This growth reflects the plant's ongoing commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

With over 12 years of experience, the Baika Processing Plant is part of the San José Farms holding company. Although initially dedicated to grape processing, the plant evolved to focus on citrus fruits and avocados, handling between 30 and 36 million kilograms of fruit annually. In addition, it offers grape cooling services during the summer, handling up to one million boxes per year.

The Baika Processing Plant continues to solidify its position as a key player in the fruit industry, distinguished by its technology, quality, and adaptability. With a vision of growth and excellence, Baika is positioning itself as a reliable partner for its clients in the competitive fruit market.