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Mythbusters: Puerto Madero Edition

On June 30, 2010, In foreign investment, real estate, by InvestBA
Puerto Madero high-rises and buyer preferences

Leyenda Urbana: La Nacion debunks the Top 10 Myths about the Puerto Madero neighborhood.

PuertoMadero is a favorite real estate topic on InvestBA for a variety of reasons. Superlatives make for interesting reading, and Puerto Madero (PM) has certainly generated its fair share since incorporation and waterfront transformation commenced in November 1989. La Nacion throws a skeptical eye at those superlatives and culls the Top 10 Myths about Puerto Madero.

#1.) It’s the youngest neighborhood to be incorporated in BA. False. Parque Chas in December 2005.

#2.) It’s the most expensive BA neighborhood per square meter (sqm). Debatable. While PM units sell for an average of $3,800/sqm and some towers fetch $6,000/sqm, the average sales price in Barrio Parque is $4,750/sqm.

#3.) Units with river views command higher prices than city views. False. Most owners surveyed return from the office at dark and would rather look at La City than La Plata Oscura.

#4.) There are more offices than residential units.  False. While true initially, that trend began to reverse in 2005 and today the number of residential sqm (1.303MM) is practically double the amount of office space (659K).

#5.) Foreign buyers own the majority of new high-rise units. False. 70% of the buyers are still Argentines, although that is changing as more Europeans shift funds out of the battered Euro-zone and more Americans discover the quality of life and cost advantages of living in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Uruguay.

For more information about investment opportunities in Buenos Aires, download IncomeBA and the new issue of InvestBA Privada.

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FranchiseBA: Torrente Gelato Caffe

On June 29, 2010, In foreign investment, franchises, by InvestBA
Torrente Gelato Caffe

BA-based Torrente Gelato Caffes offer a gourmet opportunity for potential franchisees.

This week’s featured franchise blends old-world quality with modern technology to make some pretty amazing ice cream.

Founded over thirty years ago in the BA neighborhood of Villa del Parque, Torrente Gelato Caffe is a gourmet ice cream chain known for its unique, handmade process and decadent flavors like Chocolino, Dulce de Leche con Brownie, Mascarpone con Frutos del Bosque and Tiramisu just to name a few. For the less adventurous, Torrente has four traditional product lines including Classics, Chocolate Classics, Fruit Flavors and Light Ice Cream.

In addition to offering catering services for family and corporate events, the Torrente stores serve a variety of quality coffees, teas and cakes. According to Franquicias Argentina, Torrente will inaugurate a new facility this month to boost production and centralize distribution.

Initial investment in a Torrente franchise is approximately US$30,000 for a typical cornerside cafe in Argentina. The company offers on-site training, 3-year renewable contracts and exclusive territories for franchisees. For more information about Torrente Gelato Caffes, visit the website.

For more information about investment opportunities in Buenos Aires, download IncomeBA and the new issue of InvestBA Privada.

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The Argentine Economy Recovers Strength

On June 28, 2010, In a-bric, competitiveness, foreign investment, by InvestBA
Argentina Real GDP Growth graph in Wells Fargo Report

With private expenditure and GDP growth, Wells Fargo sees signs of a recovery in Argentina.

The buzz about Argentina seems to be having an impact on investors of all stripes. After Sunday’s 3-1 defeat of Mexico, global betting sources say the Albiceleste’s odds of winning the World Cup improved to 15/4, third only to Spain and Brazil. Whether sports gambling qualifies as “investing” is certainly open to debate; however, a more sober cadre of long-term investors are also starting to take note.

San Francisco-based financial giant Wells Fargo featured an unlikely subject for this week’s front-page Economic & Financial Commentary: Argentina. The analysis showed Argentina’s 7.9% growth rate in the 4th quarter of 2009 followed by a healthy 6.8% year-over-year rate in 1Q10.

Meanwhile, Argentine private consumption expenditures which rose a mere 0.5% in 2009, grew 7.3% in the first quarter of this year alone. The nation’s spending recovery is also reflected in the current trade balance, as imported goods and services jumped 30% in the first quarter. Unfortunately, exported goods and services only rose 4%, although Wells Fargo notes the strength of the Brazilian economy as a contributing factor in Argentina’s recovery.

While over-dependence on Brazil’s fortunes is a concern, the ongoing China soy conflict highlights the need for 1.) less federal government intervention and 2.) cultivation of more international trade relationships in the Americas, the Euro-zone and Asia. To read the full Wells Fargo Securities report, click here.

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World Cup 2010: A Tale of Two Brackets for Argentina, Uruguay

On June 25, 2010, In arts & entertainment, competitiveness, lifestyle, by InvestBA
World Cup Round of 16

Argentina and Uruguay are both four wins away from getting a third star for their jerseys.

“Europe in Decline While Latin America Shines” was the headline three days ago, as France, Italy and Greece were on the verge of elimination from the 2010 World Cup. Meanwhile local favorites Argentina and Uruguay took care of business in unselfish, workmanlike fashion, as did other Latin American teams: Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Paraguay will all make the cut.

Now Argentina and Uruguay find themselves in Round of 16 brackets that couldn’t be more dissimilar: Argentina’s reads like the Pantheon of Futbol Legends (England, Mexico & Germany) while Uruguay’s reads like a random seating chart at a Model U.N. conference (Ghana, Korea & U.S.A.).

One group has tallied 56 World Cup appearances, 17 Top 4 finishes and 6 World Cup victories; the other group’s stats are padded by Uruguay’s World Cup appearances (10) and wins (2). Since InvestBA focuses on investment opportunities in Argentina and Uruguay, we find the level of local fan confidence going into this weekend intriguing to say the least.

Despite their Pantheon positioning, confidence runneth over among the Argentine press and fan base. Pictures of Maradona sporting shades, headlines like “Vote of Confidence” and stories of fans of the Albicelestes already pushing back their return flights abound. In stark contrast, the Uruguayan fan base seems more reserved and respectful of their future foes. In fact, you can’t find a single story about the Seleccion Uruguaya today on the sports page of El Pai­s.

While Argentina speaks with the swagger of the ‘Canes, Uruguay settles for the occasional tweet from Forlan. Two different teams. Two different approaches. Two different chances to make history. We wish them both well and offer our predictions for this weekend of all weekends.

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The Metrics of Wine Favor Argentine Growers

On June 24, 2010, In competitiveness, foreign investment, wine & vineyards, by InvestBA
Global Wine Production Cost Comparison

Let this ferment: Grape price and yield per acre are the key variables global vintners must consider.

Global investors must weigh a variety of factors like country risk, capital controls and transparency before choosing where in the world to invest. But what about winemakers?

The number of wine producing countries (70) is over twice the number of teams that compete in a World Cup (32). Plus global grape production (675 million quintals last year) was widely distributed across Europe (44%), Asia (26%), Americas (21%), Africa (6%) and Oceania (3%).

With so many choices, what’s a future global vintner to do? Focus on the key metrics, grape prices and yield per hectare (1 ha = 2.47 acres), says Davidson Viticulture, a leading Australian viticulture consulting group. When it comes to grape prices, three of the world’s most attractive markets are Argentina ($2,354/ha), Chile ($2,480/ha) and South Africa ($2,051/ha).

At 15-20 tons/ha, California leads the global ranking in terms of average yield compared to 10-15 tons/ha for Argentina and Chile; yet, factor in California’s six-figure cost per acre and South America vineyards begin to make more sense for those seeking lower initial cash outlay and quicker ROI. Furthermore, Davidson says advanced technology and irrigation techniques give growers in regions like California and Australia “no real advantage” over the world’s other warm climate regions like South America and South Africa.

For more Argentina wine and vineyard news, download the new issue of InvestBA Privada and for more information about private vineyard ownership opportunities, visit Algodon Wine Estates.

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