Agrícola Knelsen is a family-owned company specializing in the cultivation, processing, and export of chia seeds, offering both conventional and organic products.
Founded and led by Corny Knelsen, together with his brother Johan Knelsen, the company has grown steadily thanks to their shared vision and entrepreneurial spirit. Agrícola Knelsen has been producing chia since June 2012 and exporting since 2013, now supplying customers in over 30 countries.
Chia is cultivated on the company’s own fields, processed in its facilities in Paraguay, and exported directly to international markets — ensuring full traceability and consistent quality across the entire supply chain.
The company operates a state-of-the-art processing plant, exporting approximately 9,000 metric tons of chia seeds per year. A new 8,000 m² processing facility is currently under construction, featuring steam sterilization technology to further enhance food safety, product quality, and production capacity.
Agrícola Knelsen meets the highest international standards and holds the following certifications: BRC, SMETA, Organic EU, Organic NOP, Halal, and Kosher.
The United States and the European Union are among the world’s most demanding markets when it comes to food safety. Both require strict microbiological control, including the absence of major pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, as well as low levels of yeasts, molds, and other hygiene indicators. To access these markets, producers must implement validated reduction processes—such as steam sterilization—along with rigorous HACCP[1] systems, full traceability, and accredited laboratory testing. These high standards ensure that only products meeting the strictest safety and quality requirements can be exported.
Revtech’s expertise at the service of chia production in Paraguay
Where Paraguayan Expertise Meets Proven Food Safety Technology
The global chia market continues to grow, driven by rising demand for natural, nutritious, and traceable products. In this context, Agricola Knelsen[2], a major player in Paraguay’s agricultural sector, has selected Revtech’s continuous pasteurization technology to meet the increasingly strict food safety requirements of international markets, particularly the United States and Europe. This partnership marks a strategic milestone for the Paraguayan chia industry, strengthening its competitiveness while ensuring uncompromising product quality.
Paraguay: the world’s leading chia producer
Paraguay has established itself as the world’s largest producer and exporter of chia[3], supplying more than 50% of global demand, estimated at around 150,000 tons per year. According to official data from the Ventanilla Única de Exportación (VUE), the country exported over 68,000 tons of chia in 2024[4]. In 2025, the trend remains strong: by August, Paraguay had already exported more than 43,000 tons[5], generating USD 102.6 million in revenue and reaching a historic record.
Paraguayan chia is shipped to over 70 countries[6], with the United States and the European Union representing the most demanding markets in terms of food safety and microbiological control.
THIS LEADERSHIP IS SUPPORTED BY SEVERAL STRUCTURAL ADVANTAGES
Paraguay’s dominant position in the global chia market is not accidental; it is the result of a combination of natural, logistical, and economic strengths that give the country a clear competitive edge.
• Favorable climate conditions Paraguay benefits from a subtropical climate with well‑distributed rainfall and long periods of sunshine, creating ideal conditions for chia cultivation. The country’s fertile soils and stable weather patterns allow for consistent yields and high‑quality seeds, reducing the risks associated with climate variability that affect other producing regions.
• A well‑structured supply chain Over the past decade, Paraguay has developed a highly organized chia supply chain, from cultivation to cleaning, sorting, and export. Producers, cooperatives, and exporters work within a streamlined system that ensures traceability, quality control, and efficient logistics. This structure enables rapid response to international demand and supports compliance with increasingly strict food safety standards.
• Strong export capacity Paraguay has invested heavily in export infrastructure, including modern processing facilities, efficient transport networks, and streamlined customs procedures. As a result, the country can ship large volumes quickly and reliably to more than 70 international markets. Its strategic location in South America also facilitates access to major ports in Argentina and Brazil, strengthening its role as a global supplier.
• Internationally recognized competitiveness Thanks to its combination of high‑quality production, competitive pricing, and reliable supply, Paraguay has earned a reputation as the most dependable source of chia worldwide. The country’s ability to meet the expectations of demanding markets such as the United States and the European Union further reinforces its credibility. This competitiveness is also supported by a growing focus on sustainability and compliance with global food safety regulations.
However, this success comes with a major challenge: meeting the new food safety expectations of premium markets.
WHY PASTEURIZATION HAS BECOME ESSENTIAL
Like all agricultural products, chia seeds can be exposed to microbiological risks. Regulatory authorities in the US and EU have tightened their requirements, now demanding pasteurized, traceable, and microbiologically safe products.
Microbiological Risks: Salmonella and E. coli
- Salmonella can cause severe foodborne illness, including fever, diarrhea, and complications in vulnerable populations.[7][8]
- E. coli, depending on the strain, can lead to digestive disorders and, in some cases, serious kidney complications.[9]
These risks are particularly critical in the organic sector, where chemical treatments are prohibited. As a result, gentle thermal pasteurization has become the preferred solution to ensure food safety without altering the nutritional properties of chia.
During microbiological testing, each sample is analyzed for moisture and water activity, as well as CFU (colony‑forming unit) count to ensure compliance with international standards. These parameters influence not only safety but also the texture, flavor, and overall sensory profile of the final product.
To meet their food safety and process efficiency objectives, Agricola Knelsen selected Revtech’s continuous thermal treatment technology, known for its proven reliability, low operating cost, and chemical‑free operation.
5‑LOG REDUCTION VALIDATION
To ensure that the line delivers the highest level of food safety performance, the system will undergo validation by an independent laboratory to confirm a 5‑log reduction — equivalent to a 99.999% decrease in microbial load. This level of reduction is widely recognized as the international benchmark for products designed for high‑value export markets.
Achieving this level of reduction requires not only an efficient thermal process – recent research on thermal treatment of chia and other oil‑rich seeds confirms that gentle pasteurization preserves nutritional integrity while ensuring microbiological safety – but also precise control of residence time, temperature uniformity, and steam distribution. These parameters are at the core of Revtech’s design philosophy, ensuring that microbial reduction is both effective and repeatable, even at industrial throughput. This validated performance forms a key foundation for the advanced capabilities that set our technology apart.
THE REVTECH SOLUTION: A 4.2 T/H CONTINUOUS PASTEURIZATION LINE
To meet growing market demand, Agricola Knelsen selected a 4.2‑ton‑per‑hour continuous pasteurization system, which will be installed in a new facility currently under construction.
Line Configuration
The complete line combines a feeding hopper, a pasteurization tower, a steam injection system, an extraction section, and a dedicated cooling unit, all designed with full access points to simplify daily operations and maintenance. Together, these elements form a seamless, fully integrated process that delivers continuous, stable, and highly reproducible performance — perfectly aligned with Paraguay’s industrial‑scale production needs.
WHAT MAKES REVTECH’S TECHNOLOGY UNIQUE
The solution chosen by Agricola Knelsen stands out for several key advantages.
- A True Continuous System
The product is first preheated in the initial section of the tower, allowing a gradual and uniform temperature increase. This minimizes thermal shock and preserves the integrity of the seeds.
- Minimal Steam Injection
In Revtech’s design, steam is injected only during the second phase of the process, and in extremely small quantities. This controlled and localized use of steam is essential: it provides the thermal boost required for microbial reduction while preserving the intrinsic qualities of the product. Because the injection is minimal and precisely targeted, it does not alter taste or aroma, and it leaves the nutritional profile fully intact. It also prevents any risk of clumping or surface condensation, ensuring that the product maintains its free‑flowing characteristics throughout the treatment. This delicate balance between efficiency and product integrity is one of the defining strengths of our technology.
- Electrical Adaptation to the Paraguayan Market
Paraguay benefits from abundant hydroelectric power, notably from the Itaipú and Yacyretá dams. It is one of the world’s largest electricity exporters, with highly competitive energy costs.[10]
Adapting the machine to local electrical standards ensures optimal energy consumption and contributes to significantly lower operating costs. This alignment with Paraguay’s industrial infrastructure also guarantees seamless integration into the production environment, allowing the system to operate at full efficiency from day one.
A CHEMICAL‑FREE PROCESS: IDEAL FOR ORGANIC MARKETS
Because the process uses only heat and steam, it eliminates the need for chemical agents that could alter the texture or nutritional profile. This is particularly important for manufacturers producing chia‑based drinks or functional foods, where stability during storage is critical: chia is increasingly used in value‑added products such as spreads, plant‑based butters, and functional beverages, where consistent quality and safety are essential for export markets.
In addition to these product‑related requirements, some international buyers also request compliance with specific technical standards, including CSE (Customer‑Specific Expectations) requirements for process validation and documentation. In certain markets, additional requirements such as NEO — confirming that the product is free from ethylene oxide residues — may be requested to meet advanced food safety expectations. These combined evaluations generate a global quality score that helps importers assess both safety performance and sensory characteristics.
Because it relies exclusively on a chemical‑free thermal process and ensures full compliance with contaminant‑free expectations, Revtech’s technology is also perfectly aligned with the requirements of organic certification, a segment experiencing strong growth in the US and EU.
A STRATEGIC CHOICE FOR AGRICOLA KNELSEN AND ITS CLIENTS
By adopting Revtech’s technology, Agricola Knelsen secures its production processes, meets the expectations of premium international markets, and enhances the value of its chia through higher safety and quality standards. The system also contributes to lower operating costs and reinforces the company’s leadership in a rapidly expanding global market.
For Agricola’s clients, this installation provides chia pasteurized to international standards, supported by enhanced traceability, consistent product quality, and full compliance with both US and EU regulatory requirements.
For Revtech, this project serves as a major reference in South America, demonstrating the company’s ability to support leading producers in high‑growth markets.
Revtech & Agricola Knelsen : A PARTNERSHIP THAT STRENGTHENS THE ENTIRE VALUE CHAIN
The installation of this continuous pasteurization line marks a significant step in the development of Paraguay’s chia industry. It reflects Agricola Knelsen’s commitment to investing in advanced technologies to ensure impeccable quality while meeting the rising expectations of international buyers.
For Revtech, this project reinforces our position as a global leader in continuous pasteurization, offering solutions recognized for their efficiency, low operating cost, and respect for the natural properties of the product.
This collaboration opens the door to new opportunities — for Paraguayan producers, for international buyers, and for all stakeholders seeking to secure their supply chain with high‑quality, safe, and reliable chia.
[1] Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points – preventive food‑safety system that identifies, evaluates, and controls potential hazards at every critical step of the production process.
[2] https://agricolaknelsen.com/
[3] https://tradelinkinternational.com/crop-report-early-2025/
[4] https://www.lanacion.com.py/negocios_edicion_impresa/2025/10/07/exportaciones-de-chia-y-sesamo-reflejan-crecimiento-sostenido/
[5] https://asunciontimes.com/paraguay-news/economy/seeds-of-growth-paraguays-chia-and-sesame-exports-flourish/
[6] https://www.forbes.com.py/negocios/paraguay-afianza-como-referente-mundial-chia-mas-70-mercados-conquistados-us-150-millones-divisas-n70329
[7] https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/voluntary-recall-select-great-value-organic-black-chia-seeds-due-possible-presence-salmonella
[8] https://www.newsweek.com/chia-seed-recall-fda-risk-level-1921359
[9] https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en
[10] https://conectnext.com/hydropower-and-clean-energy-expansion-paraguay/
