Grupo Apex acquires Uriarte Iturrate’s Snack assets
The acquisition includes its production plant in Murgia (Álava), machinery, technology, trademarks, and patents.
SPAIN – Spain’s leading snack manufacturer, Grupo Apex, has acquired the assets of Uriarte Iturrate SL as part of its continued expansion in the snack foods sector.
The acquisition, finalized on September 8, 2025, was part of Uriarte Iturrate’s bankruptcy proceedings and includes its production plant in Murgia (Álava), as well as its machinery, technology, trademarks, and patents.
This deal adds a 13th factory to Grupo Apex’s manufacturing network and brings on board seven skilled employees from Uriarte Iturrate, known for their expertise in a patented microwave technology.
This technology, unique in Europe, enables the production of snacks from nuts, dairy, meat, fruits, and vegetables without added fats, aligning with the rising demand for clean-label, natural, and health-conscious products.
Additionally, this technology enables the creation of clean-label snacks, aligning with consumer trends towards healthier, natural, and sustainable snacking options.
Among the acquired assets is the brand Air Nuts, a disruptive snack concept built around this microwave innovation.
Grupo Apex sees Air Nuts as a gateway to new business opportunities both domestically and internationally, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable and responsible snacking.
“This addition fully reflects our vision of growth and innovation, reinforcing our commitment to healthier, more natural, and sustainable snacking,” said Santiago Sala, the CEO of Grupo Apex.
“Microwave technology is a unique advancement that will allow us to develop completely differentiating products with high added value for our consumers.”
Uriarte Iturrate was previously part of the Ecolumber Group, which entered voluntary bankruptcy in late 2024 after a court annulled its restructuring plan.
The sale of Uriarte Iturrate follows Ecolumber’s earlier divestment of Dried Fruits from the Vega, acquired by La Madrileña Snacks and The Iscarian to form Iber Appetizers Calm.
Grupo Apex, headquartered in Ribaforada, Navarra, has been aggressively expanding through acquisitions.
Earlier this year, it added SuperMex Foods, a Cádiz-based producer of Tex-Mex snacks, to its portfolio.
Previous acquisitions include Tot Snack and Santo Reino, consolidating Apex’s leadership in Spain’s snack market.
With a workforce of around 850 and brands like Aspitos, Jumpers, Popitas, Marinas, Vicente Vidal, and Pop Up under its belt, Grupo Apex continues to double its turnover every four years through strategic growth.
This latest acquisition consolidates Grupo Apex’s leadership in the Spanish snack market, adds significant new production capabilities, and brings innovative, health-focused snack technologies to the company’s portfolio.
It positions Grupo Apex at the forefront of Europe’s healthy snacking revolution.
Sign up to HERE receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
