French fund Capza has become a shareholder in the Spanish company La Finca, having been attracted by its strong competitive position and its situation as the only premium brand in the Spanish meat industry. Other decisive factors were its strong growth potential, its capacity for innovation and its strong management team.

The Jiménez Barbero family, who founded the company twenty years ago, will in fact continue to run the business. They will be joined by José María Vara as chairman, Juan Lizariturry as director and Jaime Girón de Velasco as financial director. Their goal will be to strengthen the company with their expertise in the food industry, the retail market and private equity.

Two other international investors, the French firm Unigrains and the Argentine family office Cantomi, have joined the company alongside Capza, in this case with minority stakes. Both have extensive experience in the food industry. Unigrains in particular was founded in 1963 by cereal farmers, and today has direct and indirect investments in 100 companies in 25 countries.

Diversification strategy
Thanks to the entry of its new partners, La Finca will be able to undertake an ambitious and organic external growth plan, as well as pursuing a diversification strategy. It will also seek to become the first carbon neutral company in its industry in Spain to be certified by the United Nations. This recognition will allow it to lead the sustainable transformation of the food industry, the company already  being recognised today for responsible production of healthy, top-quality beef.

La Finca's brand image is based on quality, health and animal welfare, attributed to its integral management of the entire value chain, which ensures complete traceability of its products. Heir to the traditional butcher's shop founded by the Jiménez Barbero brothers in 1998 to continue the family business, it currently markets its products through a diversified channel strategy, with a significant presence in the retail and foodservice (professional channel) industry.

Animal welfare certificate
The Spanish meat company has to date received some top-level certifications, such as the IFS food certification and the Aenor animal welfare certificate. Among its best-selling products are its premium cuts and gourmet burgers, as well as other ready-made dishes such as carpaccio and steak tartare. It is in addition the only producer that markets its items in the retail channel.

La Finca's growth has been constant since the beginning, and part of this success is due to the investments it has made in RD&I to develop new products with high added value. A pioneer in the Spanish meat industry, it has state-of-the-art meat processing facilities in the Community of Madrid, where most of its 170 employees are based.

Quality, innovation and sustainability
The Jiménez Barbero brothers value their new partners and managers, who "will allow us to maintain our position as pioneers in the Spanish meat industry in terms of quality, innovation and sustainability. With their support, we will also be the first carbon neutral company in the industry”.

For the partner and director of Capza Spain, José Tomás Moliner, "La Finca is the result of the passion and effort of three brothers who have created the only premium brand meat company recognised in Spain, with a solid reputation and first-class customers. The Jiménez Barbero brothers have a firm belief in the fundamental pillars of La Finca: health, quality, innovation and ESG (environmental, social and corporate governance), a vision that we fully share".

^{Photo: La Finca}