German-owned, Spain-based fresh produce company SanLucar is well and truly applying a philosophy of fresh starts for 2018, moving into its new global headquarters in Valencia while previous CEO international Michael Brinkmann is taking over as group CEO.

With Brinkmann in the role, the founder and owner of the premium fruit and vegetable company, Stephan Rötzer, will concentrate further development of the brand and products. 

"SanLucar has grown so much that the new building was necessary to ensure sufficient space and a pleasant working atmosphere for our employees," Brinkmann said in a release.

"Taste in harmony with people and nature - that is our corporate philosophy. Therefore, it was important for us to have a building whose concept and design are based on sustainability and energy efficiency criteria."

Wood, plants and sunlight play an important role in the design of the three-floor building. while Valencian ceramics, used both in the facade and in the floor, underline the office's bond with the region.

Vertical gardens with more than 30 varieties of plants cover the walls of the new offices on an area of 300 square meters. Small fruit trees arranged in rows replicate an orchard in the entrance hall, as an homage to the company’s activity in agriculture.

Automated horizontal and vertical slats on the outer structure allow optimal use of daylight, so that little additional lighting is required. Solar panels heating up the water and LED lights also contribute to economical energy consumption. A parking area is available for electric vehicles.

SanLucar, a premium brand for fruit and vegetables, is a globally positioned enterprise with subsidiaries in Germany, Austria, Spain, Tunisia, South Africa, Ecuador and Benelux.

In 1993, Rötzer founded the company and employs more than 2,500 people today, the majority of them on the company's own farms on three continents.

With a range of about 90 fruit and vegetable products from more than 35 countries, SanLucar claims to be the brand with the broadest assortment in the retail trade. In line with the philosophy of "Taste in harmony with man and nature", the group claims it is a responsible player on the global fruit and vegetable market and is currently expanding into the Gulf States, Russia, China and Canada.

Photos: Luis Casals

www.freshfruitportal.com