Congelados de Navarra S.A.U. is one of Europe’s foremost producers of high-quality frozen vegetables and prepared meals, headquartered in Arguedas, Spain. Founded in 1998, the company has become a major reference in the frozen food industry through its unwavering focus on innovation, sustainability, and global expansion.
Company Background and History
Established in the fertile agricultural region of Navarra, Spain, Congelados de Navarra was created with the mission of delivering field-fresh produce in frozen form to preserve nutritional value and taste. Under the leadership of CEO Benito Jiménez Cambra, the company has grown from a regional supplier into an international powerhouse with six production facilities located across Spain, Germany, and the United States.
Core Business and Specialization
Congelados de Navarra specializes in the processing and distribution of Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) vegetables, ready-to-eat meals, and value-added culinary solutions for the retail, foodservice, and industrial sectors. With state-of-the-art freezing technology, the company ensures maximum preservation of color, flavor, and nutrients in each product.
Its vertically integrated model—from seed selection to field cultivation and final packaging—guarantees complete traceability and quality assurance throughout the supply chain.
Product and Service Offerings
The company’s portfolio spans over 250 SKUs across three primary categories:
-
Frozen Vegetables:
- Broccoli
- Peas
- Carrots
- Spinach
- Green Beans
-
Ready-Made Dishes:
- Paella de Mariscos
- Salade Russe (Russian Salad)
- Tortilla de Patata
- Stir-fried vegetable mixes
-
Culinary Aids:
- Grilled vegetables
- Pre-fried and sautéed preparations
- Custom vegetable blends
These products are distributed under the brands CN Congelados de Navarra and Verleal, targeting both private-label and branded opportunities in global markets.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
- Advanced IQF Technology: Ensures high product integrity, superior texture, and prolonged shelf life.
- Agri-partnership Model: Collaborates with over 4,000 farmers under strict agricultural protocols to ensure consistent quality and responsible sourcing.
- Global Reach with Local Presence: Strategic production hubs and commercial offices across Europe and the U.S. provide flexibility and responsiveness to regional market needs.
Financial Performance
In 2023, Congelados de Navarra recorded revenues of over €250 million, marking a consistent annual growth rate of 8–10% since 2019. Their investment in new production lines and renewable energy systems reflects a capital expenditure exceeding €120 million over the last five years.
Shipment and Export Performance
The company exports more than 70% of its production to over 70 countries, including France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, and the United States. According to Trademo and ImportYeti, Congelados de Navarra has conducted over 3,000 international shipments between 2020 and 2024, with an estimated export volume of 180,000 metric tonnes of frozen food.
Target Market
Congelados de Navarra primarily serves:
- Retailers with private label and branded frozen lines
- Foodservice distributors and restaurants
- Industrial clients requiring custom vegetable solutions for processed food manufacturing
Their adaptive packaging and multilingual labeling further support their penetration into diverse global markets.
Capabilities and Infrastructure
- 6 Production Facilities: Located in Arguedas, Fustiñana, Alfaro (Spain), Badajoz (Spain), Germany, and the U.S.
- Total Processing Capacity: Over 400,000 metric tonnes/year
- Cold Storage: 100,000 pallet positions across Europe
- R&D Division: In-house innovation center dedicated to developing new recipes, mixes, and convenience formats
Certifications and Compliance
- ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 / ISO 45001
- BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety
- IFS Food
- Organic Certification
- Field to Fork Traceability System
- Global GAP Certified Farms
These certifications attest to the company’s commitment to food safety, sustainability, and operational excellence.
Customer Testimonials
“Congelados de Navarra has become our go-to partner for premium frozen vegetables. Their consistent quality and innovation have helped us elevate our private label offerings.”
— Procurement Manager, Carrefour Spain
“Their vegetable blends and prepared meals are perfect for our foodservice operations—cost-effective, tasty, and with reliable supply.”
— Product Development Lead, Compass Group UK
Major Achievements
- Recognized by Kantar Worldpanel as one of the top 5 most trusted frozen vegetable brands in Spain (2023)
- Named Exporter of the Year by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in 2021
- Expanded into the U.S. market with a new processing line in 2022, tripling its North American capacity
- Launched the eco-conscious Verleal brand, focusing on organic and sustainably packaged frozen products