This week #cultivamoscon we have moved to headquarters Estrella Levante in Espinardo (Murcia), to have a very cool beer and chat with its General Director, Patricio Valverde.
Who is Patricio Valverde, who is behind the Director General of Estrella Levante?
Patricio Valverde is a Murcian born in Santiago de Zaraiche, behind the so-called Plaza Circular, who started in the beer business because his family was the first company that brought beer to Murcia. More specifically, it was a distribution company and because of that I grew up on kegs of beer. My career at Estrella Levante began working in the laboratory, in the production area until 1997, the year in which I joined as General Manager.
When he looks back and sees the path it has traveled with Estrella Levante. What is the first thing that comes to mind?
An action that we carried out when we inaugurated the company comes to mind, back in 1963. We flew a plane that launched star-shaped tasting vouchers and sometimes I think that one of those stars stayed in the sky and It has protected us on this long road. We are fortunate to have been in the sector for 53 years and although many of the companies have had to close due to the phenomenon of globalization, Estrella Levante continues to lead and with increasing force thanks to the affection of the inhabitants of the entire southeast of Spain.
Estrella Levante is already part of the history of Murcia, how does it feel to see that Murcia feel the brand as part of their culture?
I totally agree, we believe that Estrella Levante is the history of Murcia and we are very proud that people think the same. Since its inception, this company has always been very aware of the well-being of society and therefore has always allocated funds to the sponsorship of socio-cultural activities. We wanted to be present in each and every one of them with the aim of getting closer to the inhabitants of the Region and returning their support.
What do you think Estrella Levante and Melones el Abuelo have in common? Apart from being the two Murcian companies.
Management philosophy in this case is similar, both companies defend the product of our land. For us see how the Director General of Melones Grandfather traveling with Estrella Levante products in different markets around the world visiting is a great satisfaction. To us the same thing happens to us, wherever we go we try out local produce.
The funniest story taking a Levante Star ...
The last one that comes to mind, which in addition to being fun was very beautiful, took place in the 1st Edition of the Regatta of Punta del Este, which was held last September. Upon reaching the finish line in Cabo de Palos, the organizers surprised all the participants with a cold beer. This gesture made that arrival much more intense, and also the thing was not there, since for dessert we could enjoy a tasting of the melon of Melones el Abuelo, can you ask for more?
From Melones el Abuelo we want to thank Estrella Levante for making this interview possible and helping us learn more about one of the pillar companies of the Spanish Southeast. If you want to delve deeper into its history and the processes to get one of the favorite Pilsen beers in Spain, you are in luck, since this month of October the visits guided to your facilities.