IMCD Strengthens Iberian Presence with Strategic Acquisition of Ferrer Alimentación and Medir Ferrer
IMCD N.V a global leader in the distribution and formulation of specialty chemicals and ingredients, has taken a significant step forward in strengthening its footprint in the Iberian food and nutrition markets. The company announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in Ferrer Alimentación, S.A. and Medir Ferrer Y Compañía, S.A., collectively referred to as Ferrer Alimentación. Iberian This strategic acquisition enhances IMCD’s existing operations in Spain and Portugal and further consolidates its position as a trusted partner to customers and Iberian suppliers in the food and beverage industry.
The acquisition is expected to close in June 2025, pending customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
A Legacy of Ingredient Expertise in Iberia
Founded in 1955, Ferrer Alimentación has evolved into one of the most respected and established distributors of food and beverage ingredients in the Iberian Peninsula. Iberian Headquartered in Spain, the company has built a solid reputation over nearly seven decades for its commitment to product quality, Iberian technical excellence, and customer-centric approach.
Iberian With a portfolio that spans ingredients for a wide range of applications—including bakery, dairy, beverages, meat products, and specialised nutrition—Ferrer Alimentación serves a diverse base of customers ranging from large multinationals to regional producers. Iberian Its deep knowledge of local markets and strong relationships with top-tier global ingredient suppliers have been key to its enduring success.
Today, Iberian Ferrer Alimentación operates with a team of 37 highly trained employees and reported annual revenues of approximately €112 million for the fiscal year 2024. The company also operates a strategically located logistics and distribution center, which provides efficient access to customers across Spain and Portugal and supports timely, reliable service.
Unlocking Synergies Through Shared Values and Complementary Strengths
IMCD’s acquisition of Ferrer Alimentación is driven by a clear strategic rationale: the alignment of corporate values, market focus, and complementary capabilities between the two organizations. According to José Alcover, Managing Director of IMCD Iberia & Maghreb, Iberian the integration of Ferrer Alimentación will provide meaningful synergies across customer engagement, supplier relationships, technical service, and distribution logistics.
“IMCD and Ferrer Alimentación share the same vision and cultural values, making our companies an ideal match to outpace the challenges of the future,” Alcover stated. “Iberian Their strong portfolio, broad network of customers and suppliers, deep understanding of the food markets, and unwavering focus on customer needs are exactly the attributes we value in a partner. We’re excited about the opportunities this will unlock for our combined teams, supply partners, and customers.”
This cultural and strategic compatibility will ensure a smooth transition as Ferrer Alimentación becomes part of IMCD’s global operations. Iberian It also opens the door to expanded growth opportunities for Ferrer’s existing team, many of whom bring decades of industry expertise and long-standing client relationships.
A New Chapter for Ferrer Alimentación
For Emma Gómez Ballesté, General Manager of Ferrer Alimentación and Medir Ferrer, the acquisition marks a pivotal moment in the company’s history. “After almost 50 years of activity, Ferrer Alimentación and Medir Ferrer have become one of the leading distributors that customers trust for our professionalism, reliability, ambition, and passion for the food and nutrition community,” she said.
“Joining IMCD marks the beginning of a new chapter—one that will allow our people and partners to grow even stronger while staying true to the principles and relationships that have guided us for decades.”
IMCD Indeed, the Ferrer Alimentación team has played a key role in shaping the food ingredients landscape in Spain and Portugal, not only by supplying premium-quality products but also by offering value-added services including formulation guidance, technical support, and regulatory expertise. These strengths will now be backed by IMCD’s international reach, digital capabilities, and specialized technical centers across Europe.
Expanding IMCD’s Capabilities in the Food & Nutrition Sector
The acquisition of Ferrer Alimentación is consistent with IMCD’s broader strategy of expanding its presence in high-growth sectors through targeted acquisitions that strengthen its local expertise while leveraging its global infrastructure. As a distributor of specialty ingredients, IMCD plays a vital role in the food and nutrition value chain, providing innovative formulation support and technical solutions for customers seeking to meet ever-evolving consumer preferences.
In recent years, the food and beverage industry has experienced significant shifts driven by trends such as clean label demands, plant-based alternatives, sugar reduction, and personalized nutrition. IMCD’s expanded capabilities in Iberia, enriched by the acquisition of Ferrer Alimentación, will enable the company to provide deeper insight and stronger support to manufacturers navigating these complex challenges.
The combined portfolio now includes a broader range of enzymes, stabilizers, emulsifiers, sweeteners, flavor enhancers, plant-based proteins, texturizers, and more—delivered through a well-integrated supply chain with technical and regulatory support tailored to customer needs.
Strengthening Supplier and Customer Relationships
One of the most critical factors behind the success of both IMCD and Ferrer Alimentación has been the ability to build enduring relationships with global suppliers and regional customers. Ferrer Alimentación has long-standing partnerships with some of the world’s most respected producers of food and beverage ingredients, relationships that will now be supported by IMCD’s global sourcing, regulatory, and innovation resources.
For suppliers, the acquisition provides a streamlined and scalable platform for reaching customers in Iberia with even greater efficiency. For customers, it offers access to a wider product range, advanced technical support, and deeper expertise across a multitude of applications—from dairy and bakery to functional foods and nutraceuticals.
A Collaborative Future
The announcement was accompanied by a photo symbolizing the collaborative spirit behind the acquisition. Pictured from left to right were José Alcover, Managing Director of IMCD Iberia & Maghreb; Emma Gómez Ballesté, General Manager of Ferrer Alimentación and Medir Ferrer; Medir Ferrer, representative of the founding family; Fenna van Zanten, Director of M&A and a member of IMCD Group’s Executive Committee; and Alberto Lastra, Finance Director of IMCD Spain.
This leadership group emphasized that the acquisition was not just a financial transaction but a partnership built on shared values, vision, and respect for legacy. Both organizations are committed to preserving the trust and integrity that have defined their brands while exploring new possibilities for innovation and growth.
With this acquisition, IMCD continues to demonstrate its strategic focus on geographic expansion, market leadership, and customer-driven growth in the specialty ingredients space. The integration of Ferrer Alimentación reinforces IMCD’s already strong presence in Europe and enhances its capabilities to serve the evolving needs of the food and beverage industry in Spain, Portugal, and beyond.
The transaction is expected to be finalized in June 2025, after which Ferrer Alimentación will be fully integrated into IMCD’s operations under its regional food and nutrition business unit.
