Alícia Romero, Minister of Economy and Finance of the Generalitat of Catalonia
The event opened with the speech of Pedro Fontana, president of the Cercle d’Economia Foundation, who recalled the figure of José Manuel Lara, “a way of understanding the business world that perfectly defines the name of the award: ambition and purpose.” Fontana argued that without ambition it is impossible to undertake, but that ambition must be accompanied by purpose to ensure continuity and social impact. He emphasized the need to recognize companies that not only seek profit but “move from the idea to the business with investment, employment, and shared wealth.” He added that by honoring Balfegó and Olistic with the award bearing his name, “we remember José Manuel Lara with a commitment to continue being faithful to his civic dedication.”
Fontana went on to highlight the trajectory of the two awarded companies: On one hand, Balfegó, a company with more than half a century of history, which in recent years has become a global benchmark in sustainable fishing, specifically of bluefin tuna. On the other hand, Olistic, a young company that has revolutionized hair care. Intuition, research, and entrepreneurial spirit are behind this company with more than 500,000 clients supporting its success. It took less than four years to position itself as number one in pharmacies and be recognized as the thirteenth fastest-growing startup in Europe across all sectors.
Balfegó: a company with roots and a global vision
The co-presidents of Balfegó, Manel and Pere Vicent Balfegó, were in charge of receiving the award. In his speech, Manel Balfegó expressed that “ambition for us is not to grow at any cost, but to grow with meaning,” highlighting the company’s commitment to responsible management of marine resources and scientific research. He emphasized their rootedness in the territory and the focus on traceability, sustainability, and training, always with a business vision that goes beyond economic profit.
The speech stressed that Balfegó is more than just a product supplier: “we collaborate with cooking schools, chefs, and universities to raise awareness about responsible consumption and respect for the sea.” He also announced the recent opening of a new processing plant and corporate headquarters, designed with a strong commitment to sustainability, which will soon receive BREEAM certification as an example of their environmental and business commitment, because “we seek excellence not only as an end but as a positive and lasting impact.”
Olistic: scientific innovation and accelerated growth
Pedro Luis González and Pablo Nueno, co-founders of Olistic, shared their entrepreneurial experience. González explained that Olistic’s idea was born from the conviction that “it was possible to develop pharmaceutical-quality products from medicinal plants,” aiming to achieve “a drinkable format, designed to meet an unmet market need: hair loss from a multifactorial approach.” The startup, which has reached half a million clients in four years, is based on long-term research and innovative formulation: “We are a high-innovation laboratory that launches few formulas, but very powerful, the result of over five years of research.”
Nueno, for his part, highlighted four key thanks, including to his partner: “It is a pleasure to share Olistic’s co-leadership with you. You are an entrepreneur by birth.” He also recognized the value of their team, the scientific community, and the consumers who support them: “More than half a million women in Spain, Portugal, and Germany trust us.”
Alícia Romero: “If we have talent, we are unstoppable”
Minister Alícia Romero closed the event by highlighting the symbolism of the award: “It perfectly represents that ambition and commitment that José Manuel Lara also expressed.” She valued that companies like Balfegó and Olistic show how “business purpose goes beyond profit: they want to have an impact on society and their environment.”
Romero also defended the importance of having companies rooted in the territory and with the capacity to open up to the world. She reiterated the Government’s commitment to the productive fabric through the Catalunya Lidera plan to create conditions that allow growth, innovation, and export. Catalonia, she added, must “continue betting on knowledge, on an economy based on research and innovation. Otherwise, we will not be able to build a resilient and strong economy.” Finally, the minister concluded with a call for public-private co-leadership to make Catalonia “a strong country with economic leadership.”
