Responsibly Grown. Carefully Processed. Delivered Worldwide.
Rooted in Argentina and supported by Swiss-based governance and commercial expertise, Cono Group connects responsible agriculture with international food markets.
Who we are
Cono Group is a family-owned agribusiness producing, processing and supplying premium pulses and specialty crops to customers in more than 50 markets worldwide.
Our name comes from Córdoba Norte, where the Braun family began farming in Argentina more than 50 years ago.
We own approximately 17,500 hectares of farmland in Córdoba and Santiago del Estero and cultivate additional leased land in Salta. Most of the products we supply come from our own farming operations, complemented by co-growing partnerships and selected purchases from approved suppliers.
Our vertically integrated model brings together farming, sourcing, BRCGS-certified processing, storage and international logistics. This gives us oversight from origin to shipment, supporting consistent quality, traceability and reliable supply.
Our mission
Sustainability That Grows.
We produce and supply premium pulses and specialty crops through responsible farming, certified processing and transparent supply chains. Through our work, we create long-term value for our employees, growers, customers, shareholders and communities while caring for the land on which we depend.
Our values guide the way we work, make decisions and build lasting relationships.
Our values
01
COMMITMENT
We deliver on our promises.
We take ownership, follow through and earn trust, season after season.
02
INTEGRITY
We do the right thing.
Honesty, transparency and ethical principles guide our decisions and relationships.
03
RESPONSIBILITY
We take responsibility for our impact.
We prioritise safety, protect natural resources and support our communities with future generations in mind.
04
INNOVATION
We continuously improve how we work.
We combine practical experience, new ideas and technology to strengthen our operations and create lasting value.
05
EXCELLENCE
Precision and discipline guide our work.
We apply rigorous standards for quality, food safety and performance throughout our value chain.
Our story
Family roots. A long-term perspective.
Cono Group's story began with Werner Braun and Elisabeth Braun's move from Switzerland to Argentina in the 1950s. The family's acquisition of farmland in northern Córdoba in the 1970s laid the foundations for the agricultural business.
From cattle farming and traditional crops, Cono Group grew into pulses and specialty crops, bringing farming, processing and international trade together. Each stage of that development reflects a willingness to invest, adapt and build for the future.
Today, Cono Group remains family-owned, combining its agricultural heritage with investment in people, land and community.
1950s
Swiss roots, Argentine beginnings
Werner Braun and Elisabeth Braun move from Switzerland to Argentina.
1975–1979
Our first farmland
The family acquires farmland in northern Córdoba, laying the foundations for Cono Group.
1980s–1990s
Transition to crop production
Cono Group shifts from cattle farming to commodity crops, including soybeans and maize.
2011
Connecting farming & processing
The first Chalacea plant opens, marking the start of chickpea cultivation and processing.
2016
Certification & international presence
The plant gains BRCGS certification. Cono Trading International AG is established as the Swiss commercial hub.
2018–2019
Growing our capacity
A second processing line and farming expansion into Salta increase capacity and broaden the product range.
2020
Connecting to ports by rail
Rail shipments begin from Obispo Trejo to Argentina's export ports.
2021–2026
Investing in our future
Swiss holding company Cono Group AG is established. Cono Group invests in large-scale irrigation, digitalisation and automation, and expands its processing and logistics services.
1950s
Swiss roots, Argentine beginnings
Werner Braun and Elisabeth Braun move from Switzerland to Argentina.
1975–1979
Our first farmland
The family acquires farmland in northern Córdoba, laying the foundations for Cono Group.
1980s–1990s
Transition to crop production
Cono Group shifts from cattle farming to commodity crops, including soybeans and maize.
2011
Connecting farming & processing
The first Chalacea plant opens, marking the start of chickpea cultivation and processing.
2016
Certification & international presence
The plant gains BRCGS certification. Cono Trading International AG is established as the Swiss commercial hub.
2018–2019
Growing our capacity
A second processing line and farming expansion into Salta increase capacity and broaden the product range.
2020
Connecting to ports by rail
Rail shipments begin from Obispo Trejo to Argentina's export ports.
2021–2026
Investing in our future
Swiss holding company Cono Group AG is established. Cono Group invests in large-scale irrigation, digitalisation and automation, and expands its processing and logistics services.
Our presence
Our footprint in Argentina and Switzerland
We operate across Argentina’s key agricultural regions — Córdoba, Santiago del Estero, and Salta — supported by our BRCGS-certified processing plant in Chalacea and our commercial office in Baar, Switzerland.
More than 90 professionals work across agricultural production, processing, quality and food safety, logistics, export operations, and corporate functions to ensure reliable supply and consistent year-round performance.
Leadership & Governance
Our leadership brings together agricultural expertise and international business experience. The Boards of Directors of our Group companies provide strategic direction and oversee management. Management teams lead day-to-day operations and implement the agreed strategy.
Clear responsibilities and accountability support sound decisions, effective risk management and the Group's long-term development.
Cono Group AG
Board
- Chairman of the Board: Thomas Braun
- Board Members: Daniel Lack, Christian Johann Padrutt
Management
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Beatrice Braun
Cono Trading International AG
Board
- Chairman of the Board: Thomas Braun
- Board Member: Beatrice Braun
Management
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Beatrice Braun
Cono S.A.
Board
- Chairman of the Board: Thomas Braun
- Vice President of the Board: Julio Gonzalvez Fros
- Independent Controller Director: Carlos Bergler
Our identity
What our logo represents
Our logo reflects the land and agricultural roots at the heart of Cono Group. Its figurative element resembles an open hand, symbolising the dedication of those who work the land and await each harvest, in the belief that their effort will be rewarded.
The open hand also represents the act of giving — offering the fruits of our labour to the world. It is a gesture of solidarity from a company committed to its communities and environment.
In silhouette, the same form evokes the outline of South America and the profile of a young plant emerging from the soil — a reminder of our origins and our commitment to sustainable growth.
The green palette reflects the fertility of the land and our deep roots in agriculture. The darker green defines the hand, adding depth and strength to the design.
Certifications, assessments & memberships
Local knowledge. Global Responsibility.
Cono Group supports internationally recognised standards and participates in organisations that strengthen responsible business, food safety and the global pulse industry.
CERTIFICATIONS & AUDITS
BRCGS Food Safety
Our Chalacea processing facility has maintained BRCGS certification for more than 10 years. Grade AA+, renewed September 2026.
SMETA 4-pillar
Audits completed in 2023 and 2026, covering labour standards, health and safety, environmental performance and business ethics.
Kosher certification
Kosher certification for applicable products.
MEMBERSHIPS & COMMITMENTS
UNITED NATIONS GLOBAL COMPACT
Signatory supporting the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact.
GLOBAL PULSE CONFEDERATION
Supporting the global pulse industry through active participation in the organisation. Cono Group is represented on the Executive Committee, with Beatrice Braun serving as a Board Member.
CLERA
Member of the Argentine Chamber of Legumes, Specialty Crops and related products.
CÓRDOBA CHICKPEA CLUSTER
Member supporting regional development, technical cooperation and the chickpea value chain.