Premium Agricultural Export Solutions
Leading the way in high-value contract farming with our innovative saffron and kiwi cultivation models, delivering export-grade quality to global markets
A vertically integrated approach ensuring quality from farm to export
At The Saffron Company JJ S.L, we have revolutionized saffron cultivation through our proprietary contract farming model. We partner directly with smallholder farmers who share our commitment to quality and sustainability.
All participating farmers must use certified healthy saffron corms supplied exclusively by our company. This ensures genetic purity, disease resistance, and consistent quality across all production. Our corms are specially selected and treated for optimal growth in specific regional conditions.
This centralized sourcing approach guarantees that every strand of saffron meets our exacting standards for color, aroma, and medicinal potency. We provide comprehensive technical support throughout the cultivation cycle, including soil testing, planting guidance, and organic farming practices.
Our state-of-the-art processing facilities represent the cornerstone of our quality assurance program. Within hours of harvest, saffron stigmas are transported to our temperature-controlled processing centers.
The processing journey begins with meticulous hand-sorting to remove any imperfections, followed by our proprietary low-temperature drying process that preserves the delicate crocin, safranal, and picrocrocin compounds that define premium saffron.
Each batch undergoes rigorous testing and is classified according to international standards
Premium Grade: Deep red color, whole strands, minimum 250mm length
Export Grade: Rich color, minimal breakage, standardized packaging
Medicinal Grade: Laboratory-tested for bioactive compound concentration
Our vacuum packaging technology extends shelf life to 3+ years while maintaining peak aroma and color strength. Each package includes origin certification, harvest date, and quality grade documentation.
Meticulous attention to detail from soil preparation to final grading
The foundation of exceptional saffron begins with precise planting techniques. Our certified corms are planted at an optimal depth of 10–15 centimeters during late summer to early autumn, allowing sufficient time for root establishment before winter dormancy.
Spacing is critical for maximizing yield while maintaining quality. We maintain 10–15 cm between corms and 20–30 cm between rows, creating optimal conditions for nutrient absorption and flowering. Soil preparation involves deep tilling to 30 cm depth, followed by incorporation of organic compost and soil conditioners.
Each corm undergoes rigorous selection: minimum 8-10 grams weight, disease-free certification, and proven genetic lineage from high-yield parent stock. Our corms demonstrate 95% viability rate under proper cultivation conditions.
Labor requirements vary by country, typically requiring 10 skilled workers per half acre during planting season. Each team receives specialized training in our proprietary planting methodology to ensure consistency across all contract farms.
Flowering typically begins 6–8 weeks after planting, with peak harvest occurring during the early morning hours when flowers are partially closed. This timing is crucial for preserving the delicate stigma structure and volatile aromatic compounds.
Our harvest protocol specifies daily picking throughout the 15-20 day bloom period, with flowers collected before they fully open. Each flower is individually hand-picked to prevent damage, then immediately transferred to shaded collection baskets to avoid sunlight degradation.
Trained personnel perform stigma separation within 2 hours of harvest. Using specialized tweezers, the three red stigma threads are carefully removed from each flower, avoiding contamination with yellow styles or white filaments that can compromise quality.
Yield progression follows a predictable pattern: Year 1 establishes the crop (0.5 kg/ha), Year 2 demonstrates significant increase (2 kg/ha), with full production achieved by Year 3 (4 kg/ha) and maximum yield by Year 4 (5 kg/ha).
Within 4 hours of separation, stigmas enter our temperature-controlled drying chambers. Maintaining precise conditions of 30–35°C for 4-6 hours is essential for developing saffron's characteristic aroma while preserving its medicinal properties.
Our drying technology uses indirect heat exchange to prevent temperature spikes that can degrade quality. Humidity is carefully controlled at 40-45% to ensure even drying without over-desiccation.
Each batch is graded using multiple criteria: Color intensity (measured spectrophotometrically), strand length and integrity, aroma profile, and moisture content (maintained at 10-12% for optimal preservation).
Vacuum packaging in food-grade materials with oxygen absorbers extends shelf life to 2–3 years while maintaining peak quality. All packaging includes UV protection to prevent light degradation.
Watch expert tutorials on saffron cultivation, harvesting, and processing techniques
Learn about the entire saffron cultivation journey from planting to harvest. This comprehensive guide covers optimal growing conditions and seasonal management.
Watch on YouTubeMaster the delicate art of saffron harvesting and stigma separation. This tutorial demonstrates proper techniques for maximum yield and quality preservation.
Watch on YouTubeDiscover proper saffron drying and processing techniques that preserve aroma and medicinal properties while maintaining export-grade quality standards.
Watch on YouTubeDetailed cost-benefit analysis per hectare - Costs and profits vary significantly by country
Establishing a premium saffron operation requires strategic initial investment. Costs vary significantly based on country-specific factors, particularly labor costs, land prices, and local material costs.
| Investment Component | Detailed Breakdown | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Premium Corms | 100,000 corms/ha @ $0.15 each (includes genetic testing) | 15,000 |
| Land Preparation & Organic Inputs | Deep tilling, pH adjustment, compost, soil testing | Depends on country |
| Irrigation Infrastructure | Drip irrigation system, filtration, water storage | Depends on country |
| Skilled Labor (Planting) | 10 workers for 25 days | Depends on country |
| Processing Equipment | Temperature-controlled drying trays, grading equipment | Depends on country |
| Quality Control & Certification | Laboratory testing, organic certification fees | Depends on country |
| Contingency Reserve | Unforeseen expenses buffer | Depends on country |
| TOTAL INITIAL INVESTMENT | Complete farm establishment with quality assurance | Depends on country |
Labor Cost Impact: Labor represents 4-25% of total investment depending on country wage levels
Material Cost Variation: Local prices for irrigation, processing equipment, and organic inputs vary by region
Certification Costs: Organic certification fees differ by country and certification body
Infrastructure Costs: Land preparation and irrigation costs depend on local contractor rates
Our financial model is customized for each country's specific economic conditions. Contact us for a location-specific investment analysis.
Labor Cost Flexibility: Our model adapts to local wage conditions
High Value Density: 1 hectare yields product worth $12,500+ annually
Premium Pricing: Organic medicinal grade commands 30%+ price premium
Scalable Model: Infrastructure supports expansion with minimal additional investment
Revenue projections are based on conservative estimates using current export market prices for premium organic saffron. Net profit varies significantly by country due to differences in labor costs, operational expenses, and local economic conditions.
| Production Year | Yield (kg/ha) | Market Price/kg | Gross Revenue | Net Profit* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (Establishment) | 0.5 kg | $2,500 | $1,250 | Depends on country |
| Year 2 (Growth) | 2.0 kg | $2,500 | $5,000 | Depends on country |
| Year 3 (Maturity) | 4.0 kg | $2,500 | $10,000 | Depends on country |
| Year 4 (Optimized) | 5.0 kg | $2,500 | $12,500 | Depends on country |
| 4-Year Cumulative | 11.5 kg | Average $2,500 | $28,750 | Depends on country |
* Net profit varies significantly based on country-specific labor costs, operational expenses, and local economic conditions.
High Labor Cost Countries (Western Europe, North America): Lower ROI potential, longer break-even period
Medium Labor Cost Countries (Eastern Europe, Latin America): Moderate ROI, balanced break-even timeline
Low Labor Cost Countries (South Asia, Africa, Southeast Asia): Highest ROI potential, quickest break-even
Cumulative 7-Year Revenue: $75,000+ per hectare
Return on Investment: Varies from 150-400%+ over full production cycle depending on country
Highest ROI potential due to favorable labor and operational costs. Quickest break-even point.
Strong ROI with balanced costs. Moderate break-even timeline.
Lower ROI but premium market access advantages. Longer break-even period.
Strategic Insight: Profit margins vary from 40-75% from Year 3 onward depending on country-specific costs. Our contract farming structure optimizes profitability based on regional economic conditions while ensuring consistent export quality. Lower labor cost countries show exceptional ROI potential, while higher-cost regions benefit from premium market positioning.
All financial figures are illustrative and vary by country. Contact us for a customized analysis based on your specific location.
Strategic market entry and premium positioning in high-value international markets
Our export strategy is meticulously crafted to capture premium market segments in regions with demonstrated demand for high-quality organic saffron. We focus on markets where consumers recognize and value the distinction between commodity saffron and premium medicinal-grade products.
North America (USA & Canada): Growing health-conscious consumer base, strong demand for organic certified products, established premium food networks, and increasing recognition of saffron's medicinal properties in nutraceutical markets.
United Arab Emirates & Gulf Region: Traditional saffron consumption culture, high disposable income, premium gifting market, and strategic logistics hub for broader Middle Eastern and Asian distribution.
Centralized grading and processing ensures consistent export quality with laboratory verification of crocin concentration.
Full organic certification from recognized international bodies, supported by comprehensive documentation and traceability.
Vertical integration from farm to export ensures quality control and reliable supply to international partners.
Private Label Packaging: Custom branding and packaging for distributors
Technical Documentation: Comprehensive quality certificates and laboratory reports
Market Intelligence: Regular updates on saffron market trends and pricing
Logistics Support: Assistance with export documentation and shipping coordination
High-value perennial fruit cultivation through structured partnership farming in Kenya
Kiwi fruit represents a premium, high-value perennial crop offering exceptional long-term returns for Kenyan farmers in suitable highland regions. Recognizing the crop's extended maturity period and stringent quality requirements, we have developed a specialized Joint Venture (JV) Contract Farming Model that transforms farmers into genuine business partners rather than mere suppliers.
Under this innovative model, all kiwi fruit production is exclusively marketed through our company. Farmers become contracted partners with shared risks and long-term benefits, creating a sustainable agricultural enterprise designed for commercial success over a 20-30 year production cycle.
The kiwi farming project operates as a genuine Joint Venture with clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and shared benefits:
This partnership structure ensures both parties are invested in the project's success. The company's investment in superior genetics and technical support is matched by the farmer's commitment of land and labor, creating a sustainable agricultural enterprise with shared long-term benefits.
The company supplies certified kiwi seedlings (proper male and female varieties) at competitive rates:
| Package Size | Seedling Cost (KES) | Payment Options |
| 1 Acre Package | 200,000 |
• Full upfront payment • Agreed recovery arrangement • Custom financing options |
Successful kiwi cultivation requires specific environmental conditions:
All prospective kiwi farm sites undergo comprehensive evaluation by our agronomists. Unsuitable land (poor drainage, wrong pH, frost-prone areas) is strongly discouraged as it leads to poor yields and financial losses for both partners.
Kiwi cultivation requires precise planting protocols:
1 male plant to 5-6 female plants for optimal pollination
Company-guided layout (typically 4-5m between plants)
Kiwi vines are vigorous climbers requiring strong, permanent trellising. Our technical team provides designs for T-bar or pergola systems using treated posts and high-tensile wires. Proper trellising prevents vine damage, improves fruit quality, and maximizes yields.
CRITICAL CONTRACT TERM: All kiwi fruit produced under this Joint Venture MUST be sold exclusively to our company. This exclusivity is fundamental to our partnership, ensuring market stability and protecting our mutual investment.
| Term | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Exclusive Sales | 100% of production sold to company | Fundamental to JV model |
| No Side-Selling | Strict prohibition of third-party sales | Contract breach with penalties |
| Quality Standards | Adherence to company quality protocols | Export market requirements |
| Harvest Coordination | Scheduled harvesting per company guidance | Optimizes fruit quality |
The Joint Venture operates on a minimum 10-15 year contract, with renewal options by mutual agreement. This long-term perspective aligns with kiwi's perennial nature and ensures sustainable partnerships.
Eliminates market uncertainty with pre-committed buyer for all production
Continuous agronomic guidance, pruning training, and problem-solving assistance
Direct pathway to premium international markets through established company channels
Kiwi farming under our Joint Venture program represents a transformative agricultural partnership. By combining company resources with farmer dedication, we create sustainable enterprises that deliver exceptional returns over decades. This model moves beyond traditional farming into genuine agribusiness partnership with shared vision, shared risk, and shared prosperity.
Join our exclusive Joint Venture program and transform your agricultural enterprise into a high-value kiwi production operation with guaranteed markets and technical support.
Apply for Kiwi JV PartnershipLimited partnership slots available for qualified farmers with suitable land in Kenyan highland regions
Connect with our team to discuss export opportunities, contract farming, or investment partnerships
Specialists in Premium Organic Medicinal Saffron & Kiwi Export
North America (USA & Canada)
United Arab Emirates & GCC Region
European Union Markets
Ready to explore partnership opportunities?
Contact us for detailed proposals, samples, or technical consultations.