ProA Capital has acquired Agricola Villena to support and supply resources to the company, which faced a potential shutdown at the end of last year due to declining demand and rising costs. The operation includes the dismissal of 30 workers from the cooperative, which once employed nearly 300 people, and a shift from a permanent workforce to a non-permanent model for 70 roles. The newly revealed investment plan centers on upgrading facilities and adding processing lines for new products. Total investments are expected to exceed 10 million euros in the coming years.
The new leadership team brings expertise from the agri-food sector to strengthen governance and implement continuous improvement and robust process management systems. ProA Capital states that the agreement with workers grants the company the flexibility needed to respond to evolving agrifood industry demands. The business plan, once executed, aims to create sustainable, high-quality employment driven by anticipated growth in the years ahead.
CC OO sources indicate the plan includes the layoff of 30 workers and the voluntary transfer of 70 positions to non-permanent roles. María Teresa Martínez, head of the state union’s agriculture sector, commented that while layoffs are never easy, the cooperative faces a delicate situation and may confront bankruptcy without changes. Negotiations secured some improvements, including the prospective conversion of intermittent positions into permanent roles.
Agricola Villena reached an agreement with Anecoop and maintained its continuity
With this Friday’s launch and the involvement of ProA Capital, the growth and modernization plan will enable Agricola Villena to ramp up production of its classic offerings such as carrots, leeks, and celery, while also developing products in the fourth and fifth ranges. Product innovation will be a central pillar for sustainable, long-term growth and value creation for final customers.
Agrícola Villena, founded in 1986 as a cooperative and later reorganized as a limited company, focuses on marketing fresh vegetables, particularly carrots, leeks, and celery, along with ready-to-eat vegetable trays. The company operates two production centers in Villena and in Italy, with strategic links to the Cadiz region and La Barca de la Florida.
ProA Capital de Inversiones SGEIC stands as one of Spain’s largest independent private equity managers, overseeing assets around 1.5 billion euros. The firm has substantial experience in the food and agriculture sector, with notable investments in Pastas Gallo, Patatas Hijolusa, Moyca, and Delafruit, reflecting its commitment to agrifood growth and value creation for stakeholders.