Grupo FEMAGO perfectly symbolises the generational change taking place in Almeria's agro-food industry. This historic company, whose origins date back to the 1930's with table grapes, remains one of the strongest in the province in terms of fruit and vegetable marketing. The key to its success is that it stands behind its producers, listening to them and working together on a daily basis to respond to their needs. Its commitment to innovation and professionalization and the opening of new markets have helped turn every one of its projects into a reality.
The group has now started leading the new boost needed for agriculture, and it is doing this, as always, together with its producers, customers and employees. Grupo FEMAGO looks to the future with optimism and with the commitment made in its strategic plan for the next three seasons. The company has set important goals to be able to remain one of Almeria's most important ambassadors across Europe and in emerging markets.
The General Meeting of Shareholders, held on 26 February, endorsed the solvency and stability of this group of companies and certified the viability of all actions included in its new strategy. The main changes include the appointment of a new managing board. Begoña Góngora and Pablo Maleno are the new heads of business management. They have been linked professionally to the group for more than a decade and have carried out their duties in different departments. From a more personal point of view, their involvement has also been complete because of their family ties. Begoña and Pablo are the children of two historic leaders of the sector in the province: Antonio Góngora and Francisco Maleno, respectively.
The approved restructuring also includes changes at management level in all areas since the start of this season, which aim to increase the levels of professionalism in all departments. The idea, in short, is to achieve greater efficiency that will improve the profitability of the growers who entrust their products to any companies under the umbrella of Grupo FEMAGO.
The General Assembly has also approved the entry of the company into the organic sector. The Quality, Commercial and Production departments are already working to have everything ready, including all necessary certifications, for the next season. This will be one of the flagship projects for the future, with a philosophy based on quality and sustainability. Similarly, investments have been approved to improve the packaging facilities, incorporating the latest and most efficient machinery.
Looking ahead to the spring campaign, the green light has already been given to the new strategy for melons and watermelons. The business group expects to reach a volume of 15 million kilos with these two products alone. The creation of a brand for seedless black and white watermelons will serve to add value and differentiate their products on the supermarket shelves. Quality melons will be marketed under the same brand. At this time of the year, agreements have already been signed with producers and customers from both Spain and the rest of Europe in order to turn this product line into one of the most demanded by consumers.
Furthermore, the three companies in the group: FEMAGO, AGROCASTELL and AGRUPALMERÍA, will have new brands that will be common to all. The initiative will allow them to join forces in the defence of their products, while seeking maximum profitability for the producers. The new designs will include a fresher and easier to identify new image. The new brand will also help strengthen a large group with eight decades of history and a volume of over 150 million kilos worth 100 million Euro. Grupo FEMAGO currently has 600 employees in 12 centres spread between the provinces of Almeria and Granada.