Argentina's Commitment to Organic Food
Wine is not the only industry joining the growing trend to consume products that are nature friendly. Argentina respects this principle and offers chemical-free alternatives.
Healthy nutrition and care for the environment merge to make one of the biggest trends of recent years known: organic food. Industry has been revolutionised by the quest to feel better after eating, the need to release toxic substances from the body and the awareness of environmental and animal welfare. The global organic food market grew from $259.06 billion in 2022 to $294.54 billion in 2023, at a compound annual growth rate of 13.7%. Then, it is no coincidence that Argentina is also joining the wave towards more sustainable consumption. So much so, that there are already several local projects bringing healthier alternatives for those interested in this change of life.
1) Olive Oil Potential
It is one of the most noble and well-known products of the End of the World country. Local olive oil production has already travelled around the world and Olivícola Laur was awarded with the recognition of being one of the 100 best olive growers in the world; according to the EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) World Ranking 2022. But what is organic olive oil? During the production process, olives are extracted from organic crops free of pesticides and chemicals, and cross-contamination with anything non-organic is avoided. Therefore, taste is 100% natural, healthy, and provides its properties directly. Laur also produces its own organic oil and many other renowned brands, such as Zuccardi, join this movement.
2) Meat: Argentina's Icon Also Joins the Trend
Just like oil pesticide-free processing, the same happens in many cases with cows' feed. Pastures or grains are free of chemicals, and animals are raised in free-range areas, so they can walk and graze undisturbedly. Also, antibiotics and hormones are not used; the breeding process is natural, and is carried out with systems and techniques regenerating the environment and natural resources. All of this has a direct impact on meat flavour, colour and texture, as well as in its low-fat content. Moreover, meat is also more nutritious because of the optimal conditions in which the cows are raised.
This growing trend has many producers involved in the organic beef industry in Argentina. Besides, restaurants led by renowned chefs are also embracing the organic beef potential. This is the case of CARNE, a restaurant run by the acclaimed Mauro Colagreco. He is also owner of Mirazur, a dreamy place settled on a corner in Menton, France, and which has already won three Michelin stars. Now, everything you taste at CARNE is organically produced: bread is free of additives and preservatives, and cows are from real pasture. Thus, the result is simple: a high-quality burger restaurant based on an organic philosophy. There are five restaurants in Buenos Aires, one in Brussels, Belgium, and there are plans to open branches in Chile and Spain.
3) Gastronomic Markets True to Organic Production
The phenomenon of gastronomic experiences in the best style of European markets has also landed on national territory. Different points around the city offer an interesting variety of food in aesthetic, industrial, spacious places full of regional and world cuisine options. They offer different types of meat, Asian tapas, hamburgers, Armenian food, Arabic food and bars with beer and drinks. Proposals vary and enable different plans on the streets of Buenos Aires City. But, besides offering a range of culinary options, some of them keep a special spot for organic products. Caballito and Villa Crespo Mercat are gastronomic centres with a solid philosophy regarding organic product sales, thus, they have exclusive stands for natural alternatives.
4) Argentinian Wines: the Taste of Organically Grown Wines
In Argentina, the production of wines free of pesticides, agrochemicals, chemical fertilisers and fungicides is a constant and growing reality. The number of establishments with certification for this type of product has doubled in recent years and the country has been expanding its selection of labels showing commitment to environmental-friendly practice. Every year, more and more wineries are going green, producing wines of the highest quality without using synthetic additives. Moreover, according to statistics, 20.5% of the wine produced in Argentina is organic.