About Us – Unica Group

Environmental Sustainability

To achieve continuous improvement as proposed by the company’s management, UNICA joined the Global Compact in 2021 as Participant Members (the highest level of involvement). UNICA’s business model as an agricultural cooperative has many values closely aligned with this global commitment, and it is part of our philosophy to do even more.

UNICA is committed to improving the environment, both at centralized levels and in the associated cooperatives, where environmentally friendly agricultural practices are implemented. Proof of this is the ever-increasing amount of land where integrated pest management techniques are applied, including the integration of beneficial fauna for pest control without pesticides, with the aim of maintaining and/or increasing the biodiversity of our farms. We invest in photovoltaic panels on the roofs of many associated warehouses as a source of energy, and we are also in the process of calculating the carbon footprint on our processing farms.

We reach 25 million Europeans every day, promoting health and good lifestyle habits through our environmental commitment and by following a social economy model. Our goal is to continue improving and enhancing our commitment to environmental sustainability.

Economic Sustainability

UNICA has once again maintained its position as Spain’s leading horticultural exporter, as published in the sector report “Spanish Horticultural Export” by Alimarket magazine in its January issue. UNICA has topped this list of the main marketers for over ten years, since 2013.

The company reached €460 million marketed abroad in the last campaign, including the export of watermelon and melon. Export revenues have more than tripled in the decade since the first report published in January 2013 (€139 million, according to the same source, Alimarket).

Since 2013, UNICA has led this ranking and has established itself as the national benchmark. This development is due to the organic growth of our cooperatives as well as the entry of new operators, from the first five to a current total of 16 cooperatives (22 warehouses). But it’s not just about growth. Our mission is for the farmer to achieve long-term profitability, that is, sustained multi-year profitability built upon nurturing his link with the consumer.

Governance

We analyze many aspects of company governance, such as transparency, human rights, labor standards, and the environment, following the standards of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).

Transparent management with different stakeholders, partners, and employees improves social conditions, promotes gender equality and equal opportunities, respects diversification, and promotes employment inclusion.

In order to achieve the highest level of satisfaction from its stakeholders, an ethics and conduct channel has been established, allowing all these groups to report irregular or inappropriate behavior.

Training programs for UNICA employees and its cooperatives on co-responsibility, reconciliation measures, or the anti-harassment protocol are just a sample of UNICA’s commitment to equality. UNICA is a company affiliated with the Andalusian Network of Reconciliation Entities (RAEC) of the Junta de Andalucía.

Spain’s Leading Horticultural Exporter

Everything you need in fruits and vegetables

2024

UNICA wins the Innovation Award for Zucchiolo.

2023

ALAS Award for international commerce, granted by Trade Agency.

2022

UNICA Expands Its Portfolio with the addition of Bonafrú Berries”

2020

500 million kilos achieved at a campaign and a new goal: 1 billion kilos in 4 years.

”Our challenge is to achieve excellent quality fruit and vegetable production that meets the needs of the most demanding international consumers, as well as to improve the profitability of the farmers who join Unica.