Elena Huertas

Born into a family of bakers in Malagón (Ciudad Real) and the heir to five generations dedicated to the trade, she has always had a strong connection to artisan baking. Although her father encouraged her to broaden her professional horizons, she focused her studies on the agri-food sector, graduating as an Agricultural Technical Engineer and subsequently completing an MBA and a Master’s degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Quality and the Environment.

After several years working for engineering firms in Madrid and Toledo, she decided to return to the family bakery to carry on the legacy alongside her brother. For over a decade, she shared the management of the business, gaining a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by small-scale artisans in the sector. A year ago, she resumed her career as an engineer, though she remains closely linked to artisan baking and committed to its development.

Her involvement with the sector led her to take on the presidency of the Ciudad Real Association of Bakers and Pastry Chefs three years ago. In this role, she works to raise the profile of artisan bread and pastries, promote professionalisation through training, and strengthen the identity and traditions of the province. She advocates a model that combines tradition and innovation to secure the future and uphold the dignity of the trade.