Ubago Group Mare S.L., headquartered in Málaga, Spain, is a prominent global player in the seafood processing and food manufacturing industry, with a legacy that dates back over 100 years. Established in 1928, Ubago has grown into one of Europe’s leading companies specializing in the transformation and distribution of seafood products, with a strong presence in both retail and foodservice sectors across international markets.
Core Business and Product Offerings
Ubago Group’s operations focus on the processing and commercialization of high-quality seafood, with a diversified portfolio that includes:
- Canned Fish: Premium tuna, mackerel, and sardines packed in a variety of oils, sauces, and marinades.
- Smoked Fish: A key specialty area, including smoked salmon, tuna, cod, and pomfret, offered in sliced, fillet, and vacuum-packed formats.
- Cod Products: Both salted and desalted cod, catering to traditional European consumption patterns as well as international gourmet markets.
- Ready-to-Eat Products: A growing category responding to demand for convenient, protein-rich seafood meals.
- Private Label Services: Supplying major supermarket chains under their own branding, while ensuring strict compliance with food safety and sustainability standards.
The group distributes its products under well-recognized in-house brands such as Ubago, Cumarex, and Frescomar.
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition
Ubago Group stands out in the global seafood industry for its deep specialization in cod and smoked fish products, particularly its mastery in traditional and modern cod preservation techniques — an expertise rooted in Iberian culinary culture. Furthermore, Ubago combines traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology in its processing facilities, allowing it to maintain artisanal quality at industrial scale.
Its integrated value chain, from sourcing to packaging, and a multi-origin procurement model (including Iceland, Norway, Cape Verde, and South America), ensure year-round supply, product consistency, and traceability.
Financial Performance
Ubago Group is a privately owned business but maintains a transparent presence in industry rankings and financial analyses:
- Annual Revenue: Over €200 million (as of 2022, according to multiple Spanish business directories and news sources).
- Export Share: Approximately 60% of its production is exported, highlighting its strong international footprint.
- Workforce: More than 1,000 employees globally, including operations in Spain, Portugal, and Cape Verde.
Ubago’s solid financial footing is a result of sustained investment in automation, quality control, and product diversification.
Export and Shipment Activity
Ubago is a robust exporter of seafood products to over 30 countries across Europe, Latin America, North Africa, and Asia. Export data from trade intelligence platforms show regular shipments of canned tuna and salted cod to countries such as:
- Italy, France, and Portugal
- Brazil, Dominican Republic, and Cuba
- Morocco and Algeria
- Japan and South Korea
Ubago's supply chain complies with stringent customs and health regulations, supported by traceability systems and certifications that enable global reach.
Target Market
Ubago Group caters to a wide spectrum of customers:
- Retail chains and supermarkets in Europe and abroad (both branded and private label).
- HORECA (Hotel/Restaurant/Catering) sector, particularly in Mediterranean cuisine-heavy regions.
- Health-conscious consumers seeking high-protein, omega-3-rich seafood options.
- Traditional markets with strong cultural consumption of cod and preserved fish.
Its products are especially popular in Catholic-majority countries during fasting periods, where demand for cod spikes significantly.
Capabilities
- Processing Plants: State-of-the-art facilities in Málaga and other Spanish regions, as well as production units in Portugal and Cape Verde.
- Cold Chain Logistics: Comprehensive refrigerated transport and storage infrastructure across Europe.
- Research & Development: Dedicated R&D team to innovate in convenience formats, packaging, and nutrition-enhanced products.
- Sustainability Systems: Investment in energy-efficient processes and responsible sourcing practices.
Certifications and Compliance
Ubago maintains full compliance with European Union food safety standards and holds numerous certifications that attest to its commitment to quality and environmental responsibility:
- IFS (International Featured Standards) Certification
- BRC (British Retail Consortium) Global Standard for Food Safety
- MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) Certification for select wild-caught products
- Dolphin Safe Certification for tuna products
In addition, the company undergoes regular audits by regulatory bodies and retail clients to ensure continuous improvement and adherence to best practices.
Customer and Industry Testimonials
Ubago products are known in the industry for consistency, high quality, and customer satisfaction. Retail partners cite the group’s flexibility in private label production and dependable supply chain as key advantages.
- “Ubago’s cod fillets are among the best in Europe in terms of flavor retention and visual quality.” — Seafood Importer, France
- “Their smoked salmon is a go-to item in our gourmet section — always fresh, always premium.” — European Retail Buyer
Major Achievements
- Expansion of Processing Facilities: Significant upgrades and expansions completed in Málaga and Cape Verde plants over the last decade.
- Global Market Penetration: Sustained export relationships across 4 continents.
- Brand Recognition: Ubago and Cumarex brands are widely known in Southern Europe and Latin America for their reliability and taste.
- Innovation in Ready-to-Eat Seafood: Pioneering new formats in response to evolving consumer preferences.
Ubago Group Mare S.L. exemplifies the fusion of tradition and innovation in the seafood industry. With its unwavering focus on quality, sustainability, and internationalization, the company is poised for continued leadership in the global seafood market.
