French company Tikehau Capital, which specialises in alternative asset management, has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Juan Navarro García (JNG), a Spanish company engaged in processing and distributing paprika and oleoresins. The transaction, which was carried out with Spanish venture capital firm Queka Real Partners and JNG’s management team, aims to boost the company's growth and international development.

The acquisition not only represents a commitment to the Spanish agri-food industry, but also to regenerative agriculture, an area for which Tikehau Capital has created a specific strategy. Developed in partnership with Unilever and AXA, this strategy aims to accelerate the evolution towards a more resilient and sustainable agri-food industry. To do this, it supports companies that contribute to preserving natural resources and prioritise sustainability.

Quality, safety and traceability
JNG was founded in Murcia in 1865 and has a long history of supplying, processing and distributing high-quality spices. It is now internationally recognised for the quality, safety and traceability of its products. The company produces natural ingredients for flavouring and colouring food products, mainly paprika, oleoresins and cayenne.

Over the years, JNG has built up an international network of customers and has become a strategic partner for food blending companies and producers. It employs over 30 people. Its CEO, Juan Luis Martínez, together with the rest of the management team, will remain at the helm and will receive support from its new owners to drive its growth and international expansion.

High potential for future growth
The Co-Heads of Tikehau Capital's regenerative agriculture strategy, David Martin (also Co-Head of the Iberian subsidiary) and Laurent-David Charbit, said, “JNG has an impressive track record and great potential for future growth. We are pleased to partner with Juan Luis and his team in this new phase, bringing our experience and investment expertise to support the company's continued expansion and strengthen its market position.”

JNG's CEO is in turn confident that the French company's experience and support “will help us to further consolidate our position as a benchmark in the global sustainable paprika industry. This investment demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and our tradition.”

^{Photo: Juan Navarro}