Demetrio
In the town of Chacahuaya, near Arequipa, Demetrio travels every day in his van through the valley. He visits more than 70 milk producers and buys about 1000 liters of milk, which he uses to make about 120 cheeses.
Thirteen years ago, Demetrio and his wife, who died last year, asked for a loan at Fondesurco to develop their own cheese factory. Previously, they worked in another factory for a while, but thanks to a microcredit, they had the opportunity to become independent cheese makers.
With the loan, they were able to buy straw mussels and their own press to make the artisanal product which they then sell to Arequipa market intermediaries. This loan helped establish Aprolac and support his family. Raising his children alone following the death of his wife, his business allowed him to have enough money to allow his two daughters aged 5 and 12 to attend school.
