The merger of three cooperatives gives rise to Spain and Europe’s biggest green asparagus cooperative

The Centro Sur, Espárrago de Granada, and Espalorquiana cooperatives complete their merger

The merger process between Centro Sur S. Coop. And., Espárrago de Granada S. Coop. And. 2nd grade and Espalorquiana S.Coop.And. has been concluded successfully and will result in the largest green asparagus cooperative in Spain and Europe, which will market more than 11 million kilos (7.8 million kilos of national product) and cover an area of more than 1,500 hectares.

“We’ve worked to achieve this merger for the last two years. Finally, the assemblies of the three cooperatives approved it in March and a few days ago it was officially registered at the Andalusian Regional Ministry of Employment and Enterprise. The three parties have been strengthening their ties throughout this time through different marketing and promotion agreements.”

“As stated in the merger project report, the operation responds to the need to move towards the concentration of supply and increase the size of the cooperatives to compete with guarantees in the European market, in line with the recommendations of the administrations and the provisions of the Strategic Plan for Andalusian Cooperatives, the Andalusian Rural Development Program, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food’s commitment to cooperative integration as an economic driving force in rural areas.”

“The merger aims at generating economies of scale, synergies in different areas of business management, facilitating the restructuring of the cooperative’s activities, giving rise to complementary relationships at all levels, and increasing its degree of organization.”

“Its business goal is generating wealth for the rural world. Other goals include continuing to work to dignify the work of farmers, fighting so that Centro Sur’s members can enjoy a level of social and economic well-being in line with any other activity or profession in the country, and keeping all the warehouses in their locality active so that people have access to quality employment and decide to stay in their territory. Ultimately, the goal is to have the best product on the market and give the best service to our customers all year round.”

The merger will leave important figures:

• 1,598 members
• 1,519 hectares
• 7,823 tons of national produce
• 3,480 tons of imported produce
• 7 warehouses
• 15,877 m² of warehouses and a 5,500 m² extension.
• 16,871 m³ of cold stores.
• 1,100 direct jobs during the Spanish asparagus season.
• Exports to 27 countries
• Production in the provinces of Granada, Malaga, Jaen, Cordoba, Seville, Cadiz, Toledo, and Guadalajara.

For more information:
Centro-sur

Publication date:

Mon 23 Sep 2024

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