Ametller Origen reaches sales of 450 million and a 12% share in fruit and vegetables

The Ametller Origen group closed the 2022 fiscal year with a consolidated turnover of 453 million euros. This figure represents a 17% increase compared to the previous year (387 million) and consolidates the chain as one of the fastest-growing in the food distribution sector, where it already controls a market share of 3.1%.

With a network of 128 stores in Catalonia serving one million customers, Ametller Origen has increased its number of employees by 4%, reaching a total of 3,491 people. Founded in 2001 by brothers Josep and Jordi Ametller, the Penedès-based company highlights that in fruit and vegetable sales, it has already achieved a "very significant weight," with a market share in Catalonia reaching 12%. In prepared dishes, its market participation already exceeds 7%.

"During these twenty years, we have worked to be a benchmark in fresh produce and to bring high-quality fresh food closer to the community. We are excited to continue growing, because it is the best recognition we can have for the effort made every day by thousands of ametllerencs," explained the CEO and co-founder of Ametller Origen, Josep Ametller.

According to the company, construction on the first phase of the Agroparc Penedès is expected to begin this year, a project they aim to have fully operational by 2026 with a budget of 180 million euros. The idea is to launch a sustainable agro-industrial complex in the municipality of Gelida (Alt Penedès) that will produce more energy than it consumes and aims to be a spearhead for contributing to the transformation of the agricultural sector thanks to an intensive use of technology and digitalization, which will make food production more efficient. "We want to continue feeding future generations in a healthy and sustainable way, and to achieve this, it is key to drive change in the sector," emphasizes the CEO. Ametller's challenge, having reduced its emissions by 40%, is to become a CO₂ emission-neutral company.

Based on a vertical integration model, the Ametller Origen family group is structured around three main business areas: agricultural production, food processing and packaging, and commercialization through its own network of stores. In the first area, Ametller highlights the commitment it has made to the Terres de l'Ebre, where it already has more than 200 hectares in which it cultivates different types of vegetables and citrus fruits. In addition to opening a store in Amposta, the company recently acquired a 20,000 square meter warehouse in the Tortosa industrial park, with which it wants to boost artichoke cultivation in the area. "We want to launch the artichoke producers' club this year, to join forces with other producers both in terms of production and commercialization of this product," explains the company.

Research into new tomato varieties

Another product that focuses Ametller Origen's efforts is the tomato, a critical item for consumers, who seek quality and maximum flavor. In this regard, the company explains that it is currently testing more than one hundred different varieties in three trial fields located in Catalonia and Portugal. In addition, last year it established the startup Tip Top Tomatoes, a newly created company in which it controls 75% of the capital and specializes in the production of seeds to develop new varieties of tomatoes. It should be noted that 40% of Ametller Origen's tomato production is sold in its network of stores and the other 60% is destined for export and to third-party companies.

In the workshop division, the group produces 15 million products each year such as tortillas, creams, cold soups, and yogurts, which it sells both in its stores and in other supermarket chains. Ametller, which has almost doubled the number of stores in the last decade, has recently opened new establishments in Terrassa and Palafrugell and plans to make five new inaugurations next June.