Empack: In this line, what do you think are the biggest advantages of having fairs like Empack and Logistics & Automation, both for the commitment to the environment, as well as for our industrial fabric?

Nicolás: Packaging represents approximately 7% of LetsCook’s costs. We have more than 100 SKUs for packaging alone, including different types of biodegradable bags for vegetables, medium paper bags for dry ingredients such as rice, noodles and couscous, as well as small paper bags for spices. The volume of bags used in kits and boxes for long-distance shipments is also critical.

This is why attending trade fairs such as Empack and Logistics & Automation is extremely beneficial for us. Having the main suppliers together in one place saves us time and helps us to close gaps. I find that face-to-face contact is much more efficient than virtual contact; the big deals are done face-to-face, and Empack is a place that facilitates these valuable opportunities.

We attend every year to meet with our existing suppliers and to meet new suppliers who can help us continually improve the value we offer. In addition, we believe that Empack is at the forefront of new technologies, and it is always interesting to learn and identify innovations that we can implement in our business.

Empack: From your point of view Nicolás, what do you think will be the 3 key points that mark Empack’s success?

Nicolas: In the field of packaging, several aspects are crucial and constantly evolving. Sustainability and the use of environmentally friendly materials are trends that are becoming increasingly important and will continue to deepen over time. Both consumer demand and government regulations are driving companies to reduce their environmental impact and adopt more sustainable practices.

On the other hand, I wanted to highlight a distinctive attribute of LetsCook: our reverse logistics of glass jars. We strongly believe in the circular economy and the long-term value it brings. Companies that adopt this approach will not only be contributing to the environment, but will also enjoy a clear competitive advantage. The implementation of this system involves not only packaging design, but also the optimisation of logistics processes.

Furthermore, packaging technology will play a crucial role in the future. The emergence of smart packaging, capable of interacting with consumers and guaranteeing the freshness of food, will be a growing trend. The integration of technologies such as QR codes, RFID tags and sensors embedded in packaging will enable better traceability and product management, thus improving consumer experience and supply chain efficiency.

Empack: As entrepreneurs, what advice would you give to young talents who are starting out in the packaging industry?

Nicolás: I firmly believe that the most important thing is people. Who you surround yourself with, whether they are partners, associates, investors, mentors or fellow travellers in this venture, will make the difference. In the end, they are the ones who will advise, help and improve you along the way, and that is the most valuable thing.

In parallel, it is crucial to focus on the customer problem that the entrepreneur wants to solve. It is essential to become an expert on that problem and to deeply understand the customer. Once the problem is understood, different solutions should be considered. It is important not to fall in love with a single solution. Launching an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) as quickly as possible allows you to get it wrong quickly and cheaply. Listen to a lot of customer feedback and iterate the solution until you reach the ideal balance between what solves the customer’s problem and what you can offer to make it scalable.