Story of HOTRO
Hotro: A Tale of Iranian Strategic Ingenuity
Hotro tells the tale of the history of agroindustry in Iran; a tale of ancient Iranian strategic ingenuity. An age-old concept with a modern approach aimed at development, synergy, and co-creation. It stands as evidence and a hallmark of the wisdom of our ancestors, those who, through their principle of Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds, founded Iran and crafted a distinguished, enduring civilization, allowing our generation to take pride in their legacy. The name Hotro is chosen with respect to this noble Persian philosophy. It is a name that embodies the tale of bridging the past to the future, binding life to land, and food to time. Hotro narrates the story of people who, throughout days and eras, cultivated, cared for, and harvested on this precious and bountiful soil. Our story begins with the ancient and authentic Iranian idea of Hotro, the dawn of agroindustry in Iran: A tale from distant days, yet close today and toward future horizons…
Hotro: From Origins to Excellence
Hotro: The Culmination of 12,000 Years of Civilizational Wisdom
The Iranian Plateau stands as one of the cradles of the agricultural revolution and the dawn of civilization nearly 12,000 years ago. For us Iranians, agriculture has long held a sacred value and an esteemed place in our cultural and historical identity. A belief such as “He who sows wheat, spreads righteousness” reflects the noble vision of our ancestors.
From a historical perspective, Cyrus the Great, founder of the Achaemenid Empire, bestowed a national identity upon the Iranian realm. His legacy—epitomized by the Cyrus Cylinder—laid the foundational principles of human rights. His son and successor, Cambyses II, expanded the empire further by conquering Egypt, becoming the first Persian ruler to also bear the title of Pharaoh. Following his untimely death, Darius the Great continued the path of stability and growth. The Achaemenid model of governance was marked by a deep respect for local economies and indigenous cultures across its provinces (Satrapies).
Hotro: The Dawn of Agroindustry in Iran
To manage the vastest empire the world had known and to ensure national food security, Cambyses II introduced an innovative strategy called Hotro—a concept that was later expanded by Darius the Great. Hotro represents the earliest known model of integrated agriculture and industry in ancient Iran.
These Hotro settlements—often referred to as “arc lands”—were communal domains where farmers, artisans, herders, and merchants lived, worked, and produced in synergy. In these ancient hubs, land cultivation was carried out purposefully and systematically; livestock was raised through cooperative efforts; tools and goods were crafted by local artisans; and a well-organized trade network facilitated the distribution of products across regions.
This system was far more than an economic mechanism—it played a crucial cultural, social, and administrative role. In this light, Hotro can be regarded as one of the earliest indigenous models of agro-industry, built upon collaboration, specialized labor division, and a tightly integrated value chain.
An Authentic Strategy for a New Vision
The primary goal of the Hotro model was to boost productivity, ensure sustainable production, and reduce costs by bringing together diverse skills in a unified, collaborative environment. Through this strategic approach—rooted in co-creation and synergy—the ancient Iranians succeeded in securing food for the largest empire of their time.
Today, Hotro continues this legacy. As a group of leading organizations active in the production, sourcing, packaging, and distribution of food products, Hotro remains committed to this visionary path. Its mission is to play a vital role in promoting public health and food security while expanding the global reach of high-quality Iranian goods.