Naohito Tsuge
at Fazenda Lote 18 Padap
Feel-good avocados
for everybody
We cultivate Avocados with care and respect for nature - a perfect fit with the mission of Foodflows
Naohito Tsuge
The Tsuge Family's Journey to Brazil
Fazenda Lote 18 Padap, a cornerstone of the Tsuge Group, represents a rich heritage of agriculture, deeply rooted in the Tsuge family's history. Originating in Japan, with aspirations to reach premium markets and enhance the quality and value of their products, the Tsuge family relocated to Brazil in 1954, driven by the vision of a promising future.
Overcoming Challenges in Paraná
The initial chapter of their Brazilian story began with hardship in Uraí, Paraná, where the family's coffee plantations faced the devastating effects of frost. However, the Tsuge family's resilience and unwavering spirit led them to explore new opportunities in the Cerrado of Minas Gerais.
Embracing the Cerrado of Minas Gerais
In São Gotardo, Naohito Tsuge, the family's eldest son, along with his brother Masahito and later his son Paulo, embarked on an agricultural venture, cultivating rice, soybeans, and coffee on lots 14, 15, and 18. Despite initial setbacks with rice and soybeans, their coffee cultivation thrived, benefiting from the adaptation of suitable technologies for the region's unique conditions.
The Shift to Avocado Cultivation
Learning from their experiences, the Tsuge family eventually focused on avocado cultivation, particularly the Hass variety, making it the main crop of the Tsuge Group today. Their dedication to quality and innovation has positioned them as leaders in avocado production.
Our Commitment to Excellence and Sustainability
Today, Fazenda Lote 18 is not just about agriculture; it's about setting the standard for sustainability, quality, and respect in the industry. By aiming to become a global reference in Hass avocado production, the Tsuge Group seeks to offer Brazilian consumers and international markets the finest avocados, adhering to the highest quality standards.
The farm includes proprietary packing house operations to ensure that the fruits are cleaned, packed, and - if necessary - refrigerated as quickly as possible after harvest. In addition, the whole operation is underpinned by what can be regarded exemplary practices in holistic water management. Three spring on the farm, digitally managed water use and irrigation systems, water basins to store rain water for dryer periods, all of which coordinated in alliance with the Brazilian environmental agencies, ensure that the use of water is sustainable and does not create any stress for the environment.
The operation is very well certified by the Rainforest Alliance, Global G.A.P., GRASP, and IFS.
The joining story
by Matthias König
When studying several fresh produce categories, the headaches of avocado consumption continued to resurface. I was intrigued by the question whether eating avocados without a guilty conscience was actually possible given all the stories and documentations about its disadvantages.
I used certification bodies to filter for potential farmers to engage, however the real "spark” happened when a Agritech founder I knew gave me the reference to talk to Naohito and his son Paulo. We quickly found a good basis for discussion and I first visited the farm in January 2022, one day after my birthday. I was impressed by the team and the operation, even though there was limited avocado to taste off-season. Naohito joined the discussion as well, even though it was only the day after his birthday, too, and I found that to be a coincidence to turn into a good omen.
Today, it is no surprise to me that many test eaters spoke of the best avocados they had in their lives. Beyond coffee, the "terroir” is not yet a concept that has gained so much attention, but it makes total sense for any product we enjoy for its taste and texture. Coupled with the knowledge of their origin and production methods, they are really difficult to beat.
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