The multinational dairy group will increase La Vaca que Ríe® production capacity in Navarre by 15% and implement new decarbonisation measures at its Iraizotz facility.
Long-term industrial commitment in Ultzama
Bel, one of the leading international players in the cheese and healthy snacking sector, is strengthening its presence in Navarre with a new €1.5 million investment in its Ultzama plant, located in the Elordi industrial estate (Iraizotz). The project includes the construction of a new 600 m² building to house two additional packaging lines, enabling the site to increase its production capacity by around 15%, reaching nearly 7,000 tonnes of La Vaca que Ríe® per year (approximately 500 million portions).
The Ultzama facility is Bel’s only plant in Spain and supplies several European markets. The company has been operating in Navarre for more than five decades, since the plant first opened in 1968, and currently employs around 140 people between the factory and its headquarters in Madrid.
Productive investment aligned with decarbonisation
This expansion comes in addition to the recent commissioning of a biomass boiler, allowing the plant to operate entirely on renewable energy by combining locally sourced pellet biomass, certified green electricity and on-site photovoltaic panels. This measure reduces annual CO₂ emissions by around 500 tonnes and positions Ultzama as one of Bel Group’s flagship sites in its journey towards climate neutrality.
Through this dual approach – increased production capacity and decarbonisation of the manufacturing process – Bel reinforces its model of sustainable growth in Navarre, combining industrial competitiveness, innovation and environmental commitment.
Navarre, a competitive hub for the agri-food industry
Bel Group’s latest investments in Ultzama consolidate Navarre as a competitive hub for the agri-food industry and demonstrate the region’s potential to attract and retain high value-added industrial projects. The local ecosystem, specialised talent and supportive investment framework enable international groups such as Bel to strengthen their operations in Navarre and expand towards international markets.
Source: Diario de Navarra