"Born out of necessity": his father had an imported car dealership, it closed, a piece of advice changed everything and created two recognized brands
The Cordeiro family transitioned from an imported car dealership to successful brands in the herbal tea and dairy industries after economic challenges.
The Cordeiro family's story begins with José María Cordeiro, whose imported car dealership became unviable in the 1980s due to severe currency devaluations in Argentina. Faced with a pressing need to adapt to the changing economic landscape, he sought new opportunities and turned to the emerging market for herbal teas. With guidance from a friend who owned a wholesale business, Cordeiro traveled to Misiones to connect with local producers and to Traslasierra where he secured suppliers of aromatic herbs. This venture led to the creation of the brand Verdeflor, which today produces around 16 million kilos of herbal products annually.
In the years following the establishment of Verdeflor, José María expanded his business interests into the dairy sector, founding Lácteos La Blanca, which now produces approximately 15,000 tons of dulce de leche each year. The evolution of the Cordeiro family business reflects the ability to pivot successfully in the face of economic challenges, as well as the internal family dynamics that shaped the company's direction. While José María passed away seven years ago, his legacy continues through his son Ernesto Cordeiro, who leads the company with the support of his five siblings serving on the board, although he remains the sole family member deeply involved in day-to-day operations.
Ultimately, this story of innovation and adaptation not only showcases the resilience of a family-owned business in Argentina but also highlights the personal sacrifices and hard work that have led to the creation of well-recognized brands in the herbal and dairy markets. The Cordeiro family's journey is a testament to how market opportunities can arise from necessity, and how entrepreneurial spirit can thrive even amidst economic turmoil.