Celebrating Women’s Leadership and Impact : Vivero Los Viñedos

Each year, International Women’s Day shines a light on the strength, resilience, and leadership of women shaping industries and communities across the globe. In agriculture—a sector where women increasingly drive innovation and sustainability—stories of perseverance and transformation take on special significance.

To mark this important day, BIO is proud to share the reflections of Mercedes Auris Bravo, General Manager of Vivero Los Viñedos, whose leadership and vision have guided the company through a period of profound transformation. In this interview, she shares how BIO’s investment has strengthened the nursery, how women contribute to its success, and what inspires her journey as a leader.

BIO’s Investment: A Turning Point for Vivero Los Viñedos

For Mercedes Auris Bravo, BIO’s investment represented a defining moment for Vivero Los Viñedos. She describes it as “a transcendental milestone of immense importance—a profound leap and transformation.”

BIO’s support came at a crucial time for Peru. “In difficult moments for the country, especially financially, BIO’s backing was a courageous and decisive bet on our company, our vision, and our purpose.”

The partnership strengthened the nursery’s long‑term sustainability, reinforced its strategic direction, and confirmed that the company was advancing with clarity and purpose.

The investment also renewed confidence among partners, who saw a team embracing the challenge with responsibility, passion, and deep commitment. Mercedes highlights the exceptional value of the company’s human capital, noting that many employees have been with Vivero Los Viñedos for decades, and that their loyalty and expertise are at the heart of every achievement.

She expresses sincere appreciation for the involvement of Annina Göbel and Matilda Di Nardo from BIO, whose closeness and genuine curiosity allowed them to fully understand the effort behind each plant and each process.

Women’s Leadership at the Heart of the Company

From Mercedes’ point of view, women have always been essential to the growth and identity of Vivero Los Viñedos. “We believe firmly in talent without distinction and in equal opportunities as the foundation of our growth.” she says.

Several key areas of the company are proudly led by women including co-management (Ing. Rocío Munive Auris), business development (Martha Vallejos) and commercial development and sales (Jeniffer Díaz).

Mercedes highlights how women at Vivero Los Viñedos lead integrated teams of both men and women, demonstrating that leadership is rooted in technical expertise, discipline, and a genuine passion for the agricultural sector. Their presence strengthens a company culture founded on respect, inclusion, loyalty, and continuous development.

She is deeply convinced that when a woman advances in her career, the positive impact extends to the entire team, elevating collective performance and reinforcing the organisation’s long‑term vision.

Mercedes’ Personal Journey: Turning Challenges into Strength

Mercedes’ story is one of resilience and determination. She explains that being a woman from the Peruvian highlands entering the field of agronomy was far from easy, especially when many of the farmers she worked with were older men who were initially skeptical of her abilities. Yet, through strategy, hard work and dedication, she gradually earned their trust.

A decisive moment in her career came when she took on the challenge of delivering plants on time to Don Carlos Rotondo, from the prestigious Tabernero Winery and Vineyards—something that had not been achieved for years. She was determined to prove that the work could be done better, and she succeeded through disciplined planning and concrete results.

Another significant turning point was her decision to adopt a new technique to enhance grape production. This innovation helped increase yields from 12 tons per hectare to as much as 25–30 tons, transforming productivity in the region and opening new professional opportunities for her.

Mercedes acknowledges that her journey included doubts, setbacks and sceptical reactions, but she consistently chose to respond with action and perseverance rather than discouragement. Today, she proudly affirms that “being a woman was—and is—my greatest strength.”

A Future Built on Innovation, Sustainability, and Social Impact

Under Mercedes’ leadership, Vivero Los Viñedos is preparing for a future grounded in science, care for the planet, and social progress.

1. Innovation & Technology

Mercedes aims to strengthen the company’s R&D capabilities, including biotechnology, phytodiagnostics, and bioprocess laboratories. She also envisions greater mechanization and automation to enhance efficiency and quality, always ensuring people remain at the heart of every process.

2. Sustainability

Environmental stewardship is one of her core values; she believes that respecting nature is not a passing trend but a true commitment. In line with this vision, the nursery has transitioned from plastic bags to trays to reduce waste and pollution.

3. Social Impact

Mercedes’ vision goes beyond the boundaries of the nursery. She seeks to promote cherry cultivation in the Peruvian highlands as a viable and profitable opportunity for small farmers. She believes this initiative has the potential to transform rural livelihoods in regions such as Huancayo, Ayacucho, Cuzco, and Apurímac.

Mercedes’ Message to Young Women: Dream With Purpose

Mercedes offers heartfelt advice to the next generation of young women aspiring to become founders. She encourages them to identify what they truly love and to dream boldly, while also building a clear strategy to turn those dreams into reality. For her, discipline, focused work and the deliberate use of empowering words are essential tools for growth.

She highlights the importance of gratitude in both personal and professional journeys, noting how it helps open and sustain new opportunities. She also emphasizes that self-belief, self-respect and a commitment to serving others are the foundations of meaningful leadership.