Veracruz Almonds produces four varieties of the succulent, healthy nuts in Portugal across its 1,300 hectares. Much of its distribution is local. But after recently getting GlobalGAP accreditation, Veracruz wants to greatly expand its international reach, and that includes the UK.
“Securing the GlobalGAP certification is an important step forward in our ambitious growth plans,” David Carvalho, founder and CEO of Veracruz Almonds, said. “It not only validates our innovation-driven production process and sustainability efforts, but also enables us to enter new, global markets as we significantly ramp up our exports.”
To ensure that happens, Veracruz is opening a state-of-the-art production facility in Portugal next year, on the heels of a 50-million-euro investment. Within its new operation will be additional technological tools to achieve sustainability, and waste and water reduction, including blockchain, artificial intelligence and machine learning.
“With consumers increasingly aware of the field to fork journey of their food, we felt this was a vital certification to secure to demonstrate the end-to-end transparency of our production processes,” Carvalho said. “We look forward to sharing our delicious Mediterranean almonds with UK consumers soon.”
Veracruz plans distribute 80% of its Mediterranean almonds – the Belona, Soleta, Avijor and Guara – now to international markets. That includes the UK, Spain, Germany, Italy, France, and the Netherlands.
