Portuguese facility is currently being expanded to increase agility and efficiency as demand for convenience products continues to grow
More than 350 people gathered at Verdifresh’s plant in Aranda de Duero recently to celebrate the 20th anniversary since its inauguration.
Opened in June 2006, the factory currently employs a team of 240 people and produces 36mn units annually, consisting of both salad bowls and bagged products. This capacity has solidified its position as a key production hub for Verdifresh in Spain and Portugal, with 35 per cent of its total output destined for the latter market.
“This progress is the result of the expertise and dedication of the entire team. This anniversary gives us the chance to express our gratitude for that commitment and to share with our families what we have built together: a benchmark facility where food safety and quality are the hallmarks,” said Joaquín Ballester, president of Foodiverse.
Innovating to meet new consumption habits
The plant specialises in fresh-curt and ready-to-eat/ready-to-cook products, particularly complete salads and ready-to-cook meal components. Its growth has mirrored the expansion of this product category in Spain, where eight out of every ten households now consume fresh-cut, ready-to-use products.
Verdifresh began its operations at a time when such products were still uncommon in the Spanish market. From the nearly 500,000 salads sold in its first year of operation, the company has grown to selling 1mn salads per week. Its product range has evolved from initial offerings – such as single-vegetable bags and leafy green mixes – to complete salads containing proteins and carbohydrates, as well as wraps and vegetables ready for microwave steaming.
To develop new recipes and formats, Verdifresh invests €1mn annually in research, development and innovation. This effort is supported by collaboration across Foodiverse companies and a multidisciplinary team comprising specialists in engineering, nutrition, food technology, procurement, and marketing.
Sourcing for the facility includes both the company’s own raw materials and supplies from partners in the Castile and León region – ranging from agricultural produce to specific salad ingredients, such as corn, nuts, and cheeses.
An expansion to boost agility and efficiency
The anniversary coincides with the expansion and modernisation of the plant, through which Verdifresh aims to organise the production of the 80 different product lines manufactured at the site each year with greater agility and efficiency.
The project is part of the company’s growth strategy and will facilitate further progress in innovation, continuous improvement, and customer service. It will also create new employment opportunities in both operational and specialised roles.
The project involves expanding production areas as well as storage facilities for raw materials and auxiliary supplies. The first phase includes the installation of two new production lines: one for pre-packaged salads (in trays) and another for semi-prepared products.
Construction work began in June, and according to the current schedule, the building work is set to be completed by the end of the year, with new production lines are expected to become operational around April 2027.
