Hazelnut Giant, a major player in the nut industry, plans a year-end close with a turnover of 215 million euros and a goal to boost revenue by 40% after a strong rise in the previous year. This momentum helps the company exceed its own forecasts and solidify its position as a leading operator in the sector.
Company executives shared these ambitions during a Thursday conference marking the inauguration of the Riodel de Mutxamel facilities, built on an industrial site. The event was a celebration that came two years late due to pandemic restrictions, as the Almeria-based firm had postponed its official launch while safety measures were in place.
In 2020, the firm moved its registered office to the municipality of l’Alacantí and expanded with a dedicated almond processing factory, as well as facilities for dry fruit packaging and storage. The complex spans more than 11,000 square meters and represents a 22.6 million euro investment in state-of-the-art machinery to modernize the original warehouse and support brand product lines of almonds and related nuts.
A large turnout attended the milestone event, with around 450 guests including Pilar Bernabé, Government delegate for the Community; Araceli Poblador, Sub-delegate in Alicante; and Sonia Tirado, Generalitat’s managing director of Innovation. Antonio Sola, the first deputy mayor of Mutxamel, and other local officials were also present.
Founded 17 years ago by entrepreneur John Louis Peregrin, the company began by operating as a broker in the dried fruit market. In 2012, engineer Héctor Serrano joined as CEO and pushed for data management and new technologies to enhance commerce. This shift helped the firm’s turnover soar from 11 million to 126 million in that period, and by 2015 the company earned recognition from the Financial Times as one of the continent’s fastest-growing enterprises.
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Following strategic decisions, leadership chose to accelerate almond processing and product development to secure higher margins. The Alicante province was selected as the center for new factories and the headquarters, a logical move given that much of the raw material enters through the Valencia port and a major client is the nougat industry. The Riodel de Mutxamel industrial area became the new home for these ambitions.
Today, the company serves 65 international markets from Turkey and works with leading food multinationals such as Nestlé and Unilever, alongside strong regional players like Antiu Xixona. In addition to its own brand, Calconut participates in distribution networks and maintains an active online presence for marketing and direct sales.
The sustainability agenda is clear. The roof hosts 1,424 solar panels, supplying around 40% of the site’s energy needs. The firm aims to minimize waste by reusing almond shells for animal feed and recycling process water to irrigate surrounding gardens. This approach reflects a broader commitment to responsible production alongside growth and innovation.