Carmencita: 2022 Results, Growth, and Expansion Highlights
Jesús Navarro SAU, the Carmencita brand, closed 2022 with a turnover near 88 million euros, more than doubling previous years’ figures and reflecting a 3% rise in sales according to the Commercial Registry balances and the company’s own confirmation. The data reinforce Carmencita as a leader in the production and marketing of spices and condiments, holding a dominant 60% share in the domestic market. A strategic alliance with Mercadona played a pivotal role, helping Carmencita capture half of the country’s sweeteners sales as well.
Yet, the increased revenue did not translate into a similar uplift in profits. Net income fell from 4.7 million euros to 1.8 million, as the company opted to protect consumer purchasing power amid a surge in costs that pressured margins. The management stated the decision was taken to shield customers from sharp price hikes during a period of inflation and supply-chain pressures.
Carmencita notes that 2022 was marked by price tension across the entire agri-food sector after a period of disruption driven by the pandemic. The firm described a “perfect storm” where higher costs along the food chain were amplified by a stronger dollar, climate-driven shipping and packaging costs, and increases in raw materials and energy prices across eurozone markets.
The Workforce, Investments, and Expansion
The company’s workforce stabilized at 415 employees, with the vast majority on permanent contracts. Carmencita has continued to execute its equality plan, originally approved in 2010, now in its fourth phase, reinforcing commitment to workplace equality and inclusion.
In 2022, Carmencita invested about 2.5 million euros to boost assembly-line efficiency. A new factory project is advancing, with a 27,000-square-meter facility planned to be fully operational in 2024 at an estimated investment near 20 million euros. The new plant aims to position Carmencita as one of the most modern spice facilities in Europe, enhancing production capacity and product quality.
New processing and packaging capabilities were showcased as part of the expansion, including a state-of-the-art line that supports increased productivity while maintaining strict quality standards. A photo caption noted the completion of a new facility in the El Fondonet industrial area in Novelda.
The company’s sales distribution shows that 85% of turnover comes from the domestic market. Carmencita products, marketed under the Carmencita brand, are available in major supermarkets and department stores nationwide. In parallel, the group has extended its reach internationally, operating in 70 countries across five continents and opening a sales office in Florida to engage with U.S. distributors.
Carmencita Expands to the United States
In a move to strengthen its global footprint, Carmencita announced plans to establish a branch in the United States during the summer, signaling a strategic push into the American market and ensuring closer ties with regional distributors and retailers.
Centennial Milestone and Cultural Commitment
This year marks Carmencita’s centennial, a milestone celebrated as a tribute to the families of Novelda who have collaborated with the business since its founding by Jesús and Carmen, and later generations like Luis, Jesús, and Paco. The centennial program includes a gourmet spice mix collection designed with contemporary formats by Manuel Estrada, plus a hand mill developed in collaboration with the Galician ceramic studio Sargadelos, reflecting a blend of heritage and innovation.
A round of ceremonial activities accompanied the centennial celebration. Photographs capture the spirit of the moment, showing the Carmencita team and the people of Novelda in moments of pride and shared history. The company also introduced a line called Saint’s Hand, a caffeine- and sugar-free vitamin drink aimed at reducing fatigue and alleviating hangovers, expanding its product universe beyond traditional spices.
As part of its social responsibility program, Carmencita continued to support Alicante Gastronómica Solidaria, contributing to feeding programs for those in need and donating trucks to distribute meals under favorable conditions. This ongoing effort reflects the company’s commitment to community welfare and resilience in tough times.
Academia, Research, and Recognition
In collaboration with the University of Alicante, Carmencita established the gastronomic taste studies chair to foster reflection, discussion, and research in gastronomy and culinary arts. Jesús Navarro received the Forinvest Award, recognizing the company’s centennial milestone in 2022 and honoring perseverance, humility, and family values that have guided the business for a century.
All these initiatives reinforce Carmencita as a family-led, innovation-driven brand with a strong regional base and a growing international presence. The company continues to pursue strategic expansion, product diversification, and social impact as it looks to the next decade of growth and stewardship in the spice and condiments sector. Attribution: company statements and press materials shared with distributors and industry partners.