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Letter from the President Our company is the result of over one hundred years of history and three generations of the same family dedicated to saffron agriculture and industry. As times change, companies have to adapt to new circumstances and create the structure that will allow them to be competitive. 2011 has seen the birth of the González Group which represents a new strategy for a traditional product. Through innovation and new technologies, preserving, at the same time, the history, values, tradition and a strong social commitment by means of the new Valeriano González Foundation. My daughter, Isabel González, who represents the third generation, has been leading our project and, in addition to being Valgosa s General Manager, cooperates with me in the Foundation. As president of the González Group I am proud to offer our customers our continued support and service. L. Valeriano González President 2
The history José Valeriano González starts a saffron business in Albacete (La Mancha). Taj- Mahal brand is born. New product launchings: de la Vera paprika and saffron syrup. 100 years in the saffron business. Incorporation of the 4 th generation. 1912 1952 1998 2012 1951 1958 2011 2016 Safinter company is founded by his son, Luis Valeriano González, who develops the international markets. Name of the company is changed to VALGOSA (acronym of Valeriano González Saffron). Isabel González remains as CEO. Luis Valeriano González continues as President. As a part of Valgosa s new Strategic plan, the company moves to a bigger HQ with a brandnew integrated production facilities. 3
The Group Commercial company dedicated to saffron and other food products. International markets. Production of saffron bulbs and saffron. Promotion of technological, scientific and social activities for the development and production improvement of the saffron industry in La Mancha (Spain). 4
The Company A Spanish family owned and run company involved in the saffron business since 1912. Only the best quality and purest products (world s finest saffron). Best value for money saffron in the world. Close, trustworthy and long lasting relations with our costumers. Unbeatable customer service. Flexibility: taylor-made products, customizations and private label. Safety. Efficiency. Innovation. Sustainability. Traceability. Combination of tradition and innovation OUR GOAL To ensure full customer loyalty and satisfaction 5
Quality The González family boats more than 100 years of experience dedicated to guarantee the highest quality and purity in each and everyone of our products Our commitment is to assure during the entire season the quality and purity of our saffron at the most competitive price. We are the only company in Spain with own saffron fields. Own staff specialized in selecting the finest elements from each harvest. The product is preserved in optimal conditions of humidity and temperature, maintaining all of its properties intact. We enclose a quality analysis with each order in addition to a saffron purity analysis carried out by an official international renowned laboratory (SOIVRE). 6
Certifications Our constant pursuit of quality led us to promote the creation of the international standard ISO 3632, specific for saffron 1 International Food Standards (IFS) certified 2 3 4 All our saffron is certified with ISO 3632:2011 norm Our Process process complies complies with with HACCP HACCP manual OU Kosher Certified 5 ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System 6 7 Advised and inspected by Spanish Ministry of Health FDA approval (Reg:17546974278) Facilities audited by FDA 7
Our brands 8
Our markets Our brands are present in more than 30 countries across 5 continents, making our company an international one. 9
Saffron, the red gold More than 160,000 flowers are required to extract 5.25 Kg of stigmas, that will produce 1 Kg of the saffron we know as a spice once they have been dried 10
What is saffron? Saffron is a spice obtained from the stigmas of the crocus sativus flower, commonly known as saffron rose. This flower is sterile as the reproduction of it is through bulbs. But what does it mean? We need part of the original flower to generate a new one. Since its origins, humans have observed the valuable properties of the stigmas of saffron. Therefore, we put our efforts to mantain the cultivation of these beautiful flowers for centuries. Each flower of crocus sativus has three stigmas of saffron, also called filaments. The three stigmas are attached to the yellow style. Crocus Sativus Flower Crocus Sativus Flower and its composition 11
Cultivation of saffron The cultivation of saffron needs an altitud of 700 to 1000 metres and a extreme climate: hot and dry weather in summer and cold in winter The land must be dry, calcareous, aired, flat and without trees. Attributes that Albacete, the center area of Spain has, which has made it one of the most important production areas in the world. Bulbs are planted in the months of June and July. The harvesting takes place end of October-beginning of November. The stigmas of saffron have a high level of moisture, so it is necessary to dry them for its good preservation - roasting -. 12
Origins of saffron Saffron is mentioned as far back as 2300 B.C. The magics properties of saffron were mentioned by phenitians, persians, arabs and egyptiens. Information on saffron and frescoes showing it were found in the Mediterranean around 1400 B.C. Nowadays saffron is still the most valued spice in the world 13
Uses of saffron Medicinal Diuretic / Fevers Astringent / Calm the stomach Fight against the loss of appetite, ashma, diarrhoe, dysentery and epilepsy Culinary As a condiment in many dishes and beverages too Tasks Cosmetic Parfum Relaxing properties Dye Buddhists monks robes Bridegroom in India Kimonos in Japan and much more Gift Weddings Religious celebrations Special ocassions 14
Montserrat Roig 9, 08908 Hospitalet de Llobregat Barcelona - SPAIN Tel. + 34 932 120 422 info@valgosa.com www.valgosa.com Find our Corporate Video in 15