Spain’s Premier Foods and Meat, the parent company of Zander Foods, has acquired a factory from the bankrupt protein group Embotits Espina.
The site in Vic, Barcelona, will be operated by Zander Foods, which supplies the retail meat brands Premier Carns and Casa Marsà, along with the Max Zander frankfurter line and Elave poultry.
Zander Foods also sells into the foodservice channel and operates the Tesi Fresc retail chain and Max Zander restaurants.
Set up in 2021, Zander Foods also now houses two businesses acquired last year by Premier Foods and Meat, a supplier of beef, pork and lamb.
Lasús Marsá, the original producer of the Max Zander frankfurters, and the owner of the La Barcelonesa delicatessen brand, Charcutería La Alemana, have been incorporated into Zander Foods.
After generating a turnover last year of €35m ($37.3m), Zander Foods is aiming to reach €60m in 2024 and €100m the following year with the combined businesses.
Joint CEO Francesc Laymon said: “The acquisition of the Embotits Espina production unit is a significant step in our expansion strategy.
“We deeply value its heritage and tradition and we are committed to preserving and enhancing this history of excellence, continuing the tradition while integrating the modernisation and digitalisation of production processes.”
The purchase of the Vic site saves the jobs of 51 workers previously employed by Embotits Espina, a business founded in 1911, which reportedly went into administration in April.
Local media reports suggested the Vic factory was acquired for €190,000.
Zander Foods founder and co-CEO Jordi Farré added: “The purchase of the Embotits Espina production unit by Zander Foods is a strategic decision that strengthens the group's position in the European meat market, expanding our production capacity and diversifying our product offer.
“This acquisition not only preserves the rich history and tradition of Embotits Espina but also ensures its continuity and growth under the management of Zander Foods.”
