Interview with Miguel Ángel Sánchez, Commercial Manager at Marín Giménez

For those who may not know Marín Giménez yet, how would you describe the company in a few words? 

Marín Giménez is a leading, vertically integrated fruit company with over 70 years of tradition, specialized in fruit and vegetable processing for industrial use. We deep combine agricultural roots with advanced industrial capabilities to develop tailor made fruit solutions for the food and beverage industry, with a strong focus on quality, food safety, and innovation.

Can you walk us through the history of Marín Giménez, from its origins to where the company stands today? 

Marín Giménez is, in essence, a story of innovation built on humble beginnings. The company traces its origins back to a shepherd who, with very limited resources and a strong work ethic and determination, laid the foundations of what would later become the company. The business was formally established in 1957 as a small family operation focused on traditional fruit processing. 

A key milestone came in the 1990s with the introduction of aseptic processing technologies. During this period, Marín Giménez became a pioneer in the development of aseptic fruit particulates, playing a key role in introducing this unique product category to the industrial market. This marked a turning point in its industrial development and positioned the company as a reference player in Europe. Over time, this agricultural base has evolved into primary processing, producing purees, concentrates, and fruit bases. Later, the company expanded into secondary transformation, developing fruit preparations, blends, and customized solutions for industrial clients. Today, Marín Giménez stands as a fully integrated company, from the field to final industrial application, combining tradition, technical expertise, and innovation in a natural and consistent way. This journey has been shaped not only by the founding family but also by the people who have contributed to the company's development over the years.

Marín Giménez is based in Moratalla, Murcia. Why did you choose this location, and what advantages does it offer? 

Murcia is at the core of our identity. It is one of the most advanced agricultural regions in Europe, particularly in fruit production. The region offers excellent climatic conditions, a strong agro-industrial ecosystem, highly professional farming practices, strict food safety standards, and advanced water management systems. All our facilities are located in rural areas, where the company plays an important role in supporting the local economy and creating employment. In addition, the proximity to the main fruit-growing areas, just a few kilometers away, allows us to process the fruit shortly after harvest, ensuring maximum freshness and quality.

What are Marín Giménez's main areas of expertise today, and what would you say you stand out for? 

Our expertise is structured around two main pillars. First, primary transformation, where we produce fruit bases such as purées, fruit particulates, and concentrates. Our use of advanced processing and aseptic technologies allows us to preserve the organoleptic properties of the fruit in an optimal way. 

Second, and increasingly important, secondary transformation, where we develop fruit preparations, blends, and tailor-made solutions. What truly differentiates us is our full vertical integration. We are not only processors, we are deeply connected to agriculture, with direct involvement and ownership at farm level. 

This allows us to understand the fruit from its origin and adapt it to each client's industrial process, ensuring consistency, performance, and reliability. This positions us as a trusted supplier for leading global manufacturers across multiple sectors.

What has been one of the biggest challenges Marín Giménez has faced, and how did the company overcome it? 

One of the main challenges has been operating in a highly competitive and volatile global market, with strong price pressure from low-cost origins and increasing complexity in supply chains. Our response has been to stay focused on long-term value. Rather than competing only on price, we have reinforced our strengths: quality, reliability, flexibility, and strong relationships with our clients.

In your view, what are the most important qualities clients look for today in a supplier or strategic partner within the juice and beverage industry? 

Today, clients are looking for partners rather than simple suppliers. Following recent supply chain disruptions, clients are increasingly prioritizing partners who can guarantee quality, continuity, and stability of supply. In this context, vertical integration, from field to final product ,has become a key differentiator, ensuring raw material availability, consistency, and reliable delivery. At the same time, the role of the supplier is evolving towards that of an innovation partner, capable of co-developing solutions, adapting quickly to market trends, and supporting different industrial applications with strong technical know-how.

From your perspective, how is the industry evolving, and what trends are having the biggest impact on your business? 

The industry is moving towards more integrated, transparent, and efficient models. There is increasing focus on traceability, sustainability, and cost efficiency, while at the same time demand is growing for more natural and clean-label products. In this context, companies that combine strong knowledge of raw materials with industrial capabilities are better positioned for the future.

What do you expect from your partnership with Super Food? 

We see this partnership as an opportunity to combine complementary strengths and create value together. Super Food, as a strong local partner with deep market knowledge and knowledge, brings valuable insight and proximity to key markets. At the same time, Marín Giménez contributes to its industrial capabilities, product development expertise, and vertical integration. The objective is to develop competitive and innovative solutions while ensuring clear alignment in roles, responsibilities, and a long-term vision.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received in your professional journey? 

To always think long-term. Building a sustainable business requires consistency, patience, and the ability to make decisions that strengthen the company over time, even if they are not always the easiest in the short term.

What advice would you give to other companies that want to build long-term success in this industry? 

Stay close to what makes you different. In our case, it has always been our connection to the raw material and our ability to integrate the value chain. At the same time, it is essential to remain flexible and to build strong, long-term relationships with customers.

Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of Marín Giménez and for its role in the industry? 

Our vision is to continue growing as a trusted partner for the food and beverage industry. We aim to strengthen our position in value-added products, expand internationally, and continue investing in innovation and technology. At the same time, we want to preserve what defines us, our roots, our understanding of the fruit, and the values ​​that shaped the company from its very beginnings.