The Santiago Sala company takes another step forward in its strategy of expansion and consolidation in the snacking sector with the purchase of the production and technological assets of the firm located in Murgia (Álava). This operation includes the facilities, machinery, brands and patents, as well as the staff linked to the integrated technology. Its seven employees will also join the Apex team, which now has a total of thirteen production centres.
The highlight of this operation is that Uriarte Iturrate contributes a patented technology that is unique in Europe and allows snacks to be produced without the need to add fats. It is an innovative process that allows working with nuts, dairy products, meat products or fruit and vegetables, always under clean label standards, without additives or preservatives.
On the other hand, among its assets is the Air Nuts brand, designed using this revolutionary technology. This brand opens up new avenues for Apex in both the domestic and international markets, reinforcing its commitment to healthier, more natural and sustainable products.
Santiago Sala, CEO of the group, has pointed out that the purchase of the Alava-based firm is in line with his company’s vision of growth and innovation, providing clearly differentiated products with high added value, in line with growing trends in responsible consumption.
This latest purchase follows other recent acquisitions by Apex, such as Supermex (Cádiz) in June 2025, which specialises in tortilla chips, and the additions of Tot Snack and Santo Reino in 2024. With these operations, the group is strengthening its leading position in Spain in the savoury snacks sector, while diversifying its offering into emerging categories.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)30
The importance of the agri-food sector
Navarre’s companies cover the entire value chain, from the primary sector to the agri-food industry, with standouts including Spain’s two largest frozen vegetable producers (Ultracongelados Virto and Congelados de Navarra), the largest cereal cooperative group (Grupo AN), the global leader in manufacturing and marketing casings for food products (Viscofan), whose sales reach around 100 countries worldwid, Spain’s leading producer of fresh ready-to-eat salads and vegetables (Florette), and multinational companies of the highest calibre such as General Mills, Gelagri, Mondelez or Agrozumos. More information is available at the following link.
Source: Diario de Navarra