Innovation

In an interview, Nutri Huevos’ CEO, Gustavo Koo, stated their aim has always been to “stay two to three steps ahead of the competition.” NutriHuevos’ innovation began in the 70’s with its decision to apply a brand to the eggs they produce. Their founder, Antonio Koo noticed that in their region, Paraguay was the country with the lowest per capita consumption and the average person consumed less than 200 eggs a year. For 20 years, campaigns were run to increase the consumption of eggs and promote them as a healthy food. Having their eggs branded as NutriHuevos helped the company become a household name with time, and eventually hold a 30% market share for eggs in Paraguay in 2024. Once established, the growth of NutriHuevos can be attributed in part to their innovation within the company through advancements in their machinery and production process.

NutriHuevos’ production process is automated through the use of AI and their innovation helps the operation run extremely efficiently. Eggs are collected via conveyor belts that transport them to the sorting and grading room. There, precision machines digitally sort the eggs by weight. Before this, the eggs undergo multiple safety checks to ensure quality, including an ultraviolet disinfection process to eliminate any bacteria on the shell.

The cartons for the eggs are also made by NutriHuevos in a cardboard factory that they own. There roughly 2,500 kilos of paper are recycled each day and converted into 40,000 egg cartons. This completes the loop of production and helps them to stay self-sufficient.

Inspiration

Founded in 1984, NutriHuevos was a small company at first. The company decided to take a risk and invest in automated machines. This investment resulted in success as they became one of the first companies in the poultry industry to automate their production process in South America. It also created a loyal customer base, which helped establish NutriHuevos as the leading company in the poultry industry.

Overall impact

NutriHuevos contributes to 14 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and sets an admirable example for companies engaging in sustainability.

One of NutriHuevos most significant contributions is to Goal 1, Poverty, through the development of micro franchcises and the poverty stoplight. The “Semáforo de la Pobreza” or Poverty Stoplight was developed by Fundacion Paraguaya and NutriHuevos has adopted this measurement to better understand what poverty means. Semaforo de la Pobreza gives us a more exact understanding of what poverty means, highlighting the hidden factors that many people have not been able to see. This tool includes 50 indicators across 6 dimensions, revealing that poverty extends beyond our initial grasp. The Poverty Stoplight helps us approach poverty as a more complex issue that requires more than financial relief.

They also contribute to Goal 2, Zero Hunger, through the support of community kitchens and visits to health professionals for workers. Goal 3, Good Health and Well-Being, is prioritized through blood donations, a PAP study for collaborators, ophthalmology consultations for workers, campaigns for road safety, and recreational activities for employees. Goal 4, Quality Education, is achieved through “Nutrimochillas,” backpacks made for students, musical programs for students, the EducaRSE program, the Center for Early Childhood – a primary school built for students, “Methodology Reggio Emilia” – a building made for infrastructure, “Methodology Montesorri” – furniture for classrooms, and “Methodology Emi Pikler” - a center for learning.

Additionally, they address Goal 5, Gender Equality, through workshops that counter violence against women. Managing a water treatment plant and measuring the water footprint of each egg produced supports Goal 6, Clean Water and Sanitation. NutriHuevos also offers team building and work relationship workshops to enhance Goal 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth. This works hand in hand with their inclusion of workers with disabilities. Including these employees helps to support Goal 10, Reduced Inequalities.          

Furthermore, NutriHuevos supports Goal 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities by engaging in voluntary community service, supporting urban settlement programs, and through a house building program “Nutriviviendas." In terms of Goal 12, Responsible Consumption and Production, the company showcases this through their renewable egg carton factory. They protect 13 hectares of forest which is an example of their ability to engage with Goal 13 and Goal 15, Climate Action and Life on Land. NutriHuevos' code of ethics is another display of their support of the SDG goals and Goal 16, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, in particular. Lastly, their alliance with nearly 40 companies is an example of how they showcase Goal 17, Partnerships for the Goals. 

Business benefit

The automation production process in NutriHuevos is a key factor to their success. The innovation has helped NutriHuevos keep their competitive edge over their industry rivals through constant technological advances. These advances help reduce the production time which in turn has helped them become more efficient. Currently, NutriHuevos has over 1.3 million chickens, 19.2 million eggs in their shells, and 303,654 liquid eggs sold. In 2021 alone, NutriHuevos had earned around 120 billion Gs.

Social and environmental benefit

The innovations implemented at NutriHuevos has contributed to help reduce the inequalities in Paraguay. Their most recognized contributions have helped give people the educational resources they need. NutriHuevos understands that the social class divide has grown more pronounced over time. Recognizing this substantial disparity, the company has committed to driving positive change aimed at addressing these social and economic inequalities.

Recognizing the pressing social and economic disparities, NutriHuevos has developed initiatives aimed at reducing inequality. One of their most significant contributions is the “Semáforo de la Pobreza” or Poverty Stoplight. Additionally, NutriHuevos has collaborated with the Ministry of Education to provide its employees with an opportunity to complete high school. This initiative reflects NutriHuevos’ commitment to facilitate the access to education and to be able to provide people with an opportunity to succeed academically. Beyond education, the company has also advocated for gender equality. Now, women represent around 32% of the overall workforce, with 31% in executive roles. This demonstrates NutriHuevos’ commitment to providing a safer space for people and fostering a diverse workplace environment.

As carbon emissions grow every year, NutriHuevos has challenged themselves to reduce their carbon footprint annually. In 2021, they managed to reduce around 13% in their carbon footprint compared to the previous year. The company has stated that by 2030, they would like to have a carbon free production process. Additionally, the company has also protected 13 acres of forest space to help balance the carbon emission the company has generated through its production. Lastly, the company has also recycled 1.5 million kg of paper into cartons for the packaging of their products.

Interview

Gutavo Koo Kim, CEO