In 2023, Navarra consolidated its position as a national and international power in the production of deep-frozen vegetables. Three companies based in the region (Grupo Virto, Congelados de Navarra and Gelagri Ibérica) account for 75% of national production. In this way, and in spite of the drought which had a major impact on its activity, this industry remained relatively stable, processing more than 834,000 tonnes of product, only 1% less than a year earlier.
The Spanish Association of Vegetable Manufacturers (Asevec), to which the aforementioned Grupo Virto, Congelados de Navarra and Gelagri Ibérica belong, highlighted in its 2023 report the strength of an activity that has seen an 83% increase in production over the last decade.
In terms of the categories of processed products, the increase in vegetables such as flat green beans, aubergines, potatoes, maize, courgettes and peas stands out. On the other hand, in the face of climate challenges, the industry (especially that of Navarre) has redoubled its commitments by introducing measures aimed at achieving environmentally sustainable factories. This effort has also been accompanied by a firm commitment to other key areas such as innovation and human capital, thereby also seeking economic and social sustainability.
All of this has enabled it to become one of the country’s main export sectors, given that 62% of what is produced is marketed, fundamentally, between EU countries such as France, Germany, Portugal, Italy and the Netherlands. The presence of “made in Navarre” products in such competitive and global markets as the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada is also outstanding.
Finally, the Navarrese frozen vegetable industries also stand out for generating quality employment in rural areas and for their commitment to senior talent, which enables them to contribute to the socio-economic development of these areas and prevent their depopulation. In total, Asevec puts the number of direct jobs generated by its associates at 4,700 to which another 15,000 indirect jobs must be added. In the case of the Navarrese companies, they provide 3,800 direct jobs and some 12,000 indirect jobs.
This is detailed in the following “Technical Information Sheet”.
- The Virto Group has 10 production plants. Three in Navarra (Azagra, Funes, and Cortes). The others are in Mallén (Aragón), Santo Domingo de la Calzada (La Rioja), Sanchonuño (Segovia), La Albuera (Badajoz), Cobatillas (Murcia), El Raal (Murcia) and Santomera (Murcia). It also has 3 logistics plants in Azagra, Mallén and Santomera. It has sales offices in France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Chile and the United States, among other places.
- Congelados de Navarra has 5 plants. Two in Navarra (Arguedas and Fustiñana). Others in Alfaro (La Rioja), Olmedo (Valladolid) and Formentera del Segura (Alicante). It has commercial offices in France and commercial subsidiaries in the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as in the United States of America and the United Kingdom.
and commercial subsidiaries in the United States of America and the United Kingdom, among others. - Gelagri Ibérica SL. It has two production plants. One in Milagro (Navarre) and the other in Santaella (Cordoba), to which must be added another two centres in France, in Loudéc and St Caradec.
Source: hoyverdurascongeladas.com