GBfoods Sells European Units, Reports Profit Growth

GBfoods, the food division of the Agrolimen family group, has strategically divested two European subsidiaries focused on chilled soup production. This move comes as the company reported a solid financial performance for the past fiscal year, demonstrating resilience and growth. The transaction sees the sale of Belgian firm Butterfly and French entity La Ferme d'Anchin to Italy-based La Linea Verde, a specialist in ready-to-eat salads. These divested businesses collectively generated approximately €26 million in annual revenue, signaling a focused approach by GBfoods on its core competencies.

This divestiture aligns with GBfoods' broader strategy, which includes recent expansion into emerging markets. Notably, in the summer of 2025, the Spanish food giant acquired an 80% stake in Senegalese company Agroline, a manufacturer of sauces and tomato derivatives. The net asset value of this African acquisition was reported at €15.5 million, underscoring the company's commitment to diversifying its geographical footprint and product portfolio, particularly in the rapidly growing African continent.

The financial results for the year ending 2025 showcase GBfoods' robust operational health. The company achieved a consolidated turnover of €1.441 billion, marking a 1.7% increase year-over-year. Net profit attributable to the parent company rose by 2.3% to €126.6 million, while operating result saw a significant 7.6% improvement, reaching €207 million. This sustained profitability, even amidst strategic portfolio adjustments, highlights the strength of its established brands and market positions.

Geographically, GBfoods' sales remain heavily weighted towards Europe, which accounted for 67% of its revenue. Key European markets include Spain, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Finland, and Sweden. However, the company is witnessing a notable shift in its business mix, with Africa now representing 33% of sales, a four-percentage-point increase from the previous year. This expansion in Africa, spanning some thirty countries, is a critical growth driver for the group.

The company's financial structure also reflects a strengthening position. At the close of the fiscal year, GBfoods reported a negative working capital of €95.3 million, a substantial improvement from €274.6 million in the prior year. Total financial debt stood at €506 million, with €270 million classified as short-term. The company's equity base remains strong, with own funds amounting to €1.521 billion, providing a solid foundation for future investments and operations.

With a workforce exceeding 3,600 employees across fifteen factories in nine countries, GBfoods operates a significant global presence. Its brand portfolio includes well-recognized names such as Gallina Blanca, Avecrem, Yatekomo, and the prominent African brand Jumbo. The company recently underwent a leadership transition, with Miranda Visscher now leading operations in Europe and Vicenç Bosch overseeing the African division, following the retirement of former CEO Ignasi Ricou.