Grupo Calvo eyes global expansion

Tapping into the growing trend for light tuna in olive oil, Spain’s pioneering Galicia-based Grupo Calvo has partnered with Madrid-based olive oil brand leader Carbonell to launch the first premium canned light tuna in olive oil.

According to Calvo CEO Javier Lazcoz, this “segment with a future” grew 7 percent last year and now accounts for 32 percent of canned tuna sales. Following its successful alliance with Deoleo distributing Carbonell in Brazil, Calvo is focusing on branding in the South American country via its canning subsidiary Gomes da Costa.

Stressing his objective to expand into other channels including foodservice — currently 10 percent of Calvo’s domestic sales — Lazcoz said, “We are open to new possibilities of collaboration.”

The group’s global expansion strategy encompasses Brazil as its key overseas market along with its strong presence in Italy, Argentina and Central America, with increasing focus on the emerging markets of Russia, India and China.

Reiterating its commitment to the Protected Denomination of Origin of Galician Mussel as a core principal of its growth strategy, Calvo aims to strengthen future business in the hospitality sector, which saw demand for ready meals grow 1 percent last year, almost entirely of fish-based dishes.

Currently trading with 70 countries on five continents, Calvo’s net sales volume rose 75 percent, reported Lazcoz, referring to the company’s 2011 results, underlining “a good year” for the group.

Despite the “more complicated” economic environment in 2010, which saw Calvo turnover of EUR 4.92 billion (USD 6.3 billion), he stressed that market share in Spain is growing and will meet set objectives by maintaining a focus on quality, innovation and geographic diversification.

Founded in 1940, Calvo remains family-owned employing some 3,100 people across its 10 ships and four factories (located in Carballo and Esteiro in Galicia, Spain; El Salvador and Brazil, South America).  

The company holds 14 percent share of the light tuna in vegetable oil market and 8.4 percent share of the canned mussels sector. Calvo is brand leader with 46 percent of Brazil’s tuna market and 39 percent of sardine sales. With 12 percent of the market, Calvo is Italy’s second largest operator under brand name Nostromo.

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