Argentine Dairy Producer Diversifies into Space Technology While Navigating Economic Headwinds
LOBERÍA, BUENOS AIRES PROVINCE – Facing a challenging economic climate marked by falling sales and rising financial costs, Argentine dairy producer QMGC is simultaneously pursuing an ambitious venture into the space industry through its board member’s involvement with local rocket developer Tlon Space. QMGC owner, speaking on condition of not being named, detailed the pressures facing the company while highlighting the innovative spirit driving its parallel investment in space technology.
The company, specializing in soft cheeses like creamy, harbor salute, mozzarella, and cheese dough – with “the creamy one” as its core product – has seen sales decline by 20-30% amidst an economic backdrop of 2% inflation and soaring bank loan interest rates reaching 90-100%. Despite these difficulties, the owner assured that jobs are secure, citing a positive relationship with the union: “We can continue to maintain staff. We never had problems with the union.”
QMGC markets three proprietary brands: The Angel of Bolívar (the company logo), The Little Devil (another creamy line), and Simon of bolivar, a more affordable product launched two months ago. The company also handles production for unnamed third-party brands, utilizing packaging provided by external distributors.
Distribution remains a key challenge. The owner explained the company’s decision to avoid direct sales to supermarkets and retail stores, stating, “For supermarkets you need capital to finance and accept arbitrary conditions. And for neighborhood businesses you need a logistics structure that we do not have.” Currently, QMGC relies on a large distributor in La Matanza, factory-door sales, and pallet-based order fulfillment.
Beyond dairy, the owner serves on the board of Tlon Space, the Argentine company behind the Aventura I rocket, slated for launch from a spaceport in Lobería. He described Tlon’s unique approach to space access, contrasting it with larger players like SpaceX: ”Today everyone thinks about SpaceX, but spacex is like the long-distance bondi. If you have to get off before, you can’t.Tlon was born to carry small loads directly to the exact point in orbit.“
the Aventura I is a minimalist design, measuring 12 meters in length, weighing 80 kilograms empty, and capable of carrying up to 900 kilograms when loaded. the owner believes a successful launch will position Tlon Space as the sole provider of low-cost, small-payload delivery to orbit.
