During 2004, the Spanish tuna canning Calvo Group invoiced 307.9 million euro, 19% more than in 2003. The forecast for 2005 is to reach 355 million euro.

Furthermore, the company’s EBITDA level (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) was 28.06 million euro last year and the net profit 5.3 million, therefore 23% higher than in 2003.

Since Calvo Group purchased Gomes da Costa (GDC) last year, the largest canning group of Brazil and Latin American, 59% of its income corresponds to the international commercial activities.

This year’s sales forecast increase is primarily based on maintaining the leadership position in the domestic markets of Spain, Italy and Portugal where the group has a market share of 17%, 14% and 10% respectively.

Further growth is expected from sales to foreign markets through the plant located in El Salvador that is already operating to supply the US market. And now with its presence in Brazil, Calvo will also aim at developing, as well as expanding its influence in South American countires such as Argentina, Chile or Uruguay.

In 2005, the Calvo group will have a budget of 11 million euro available to invest in advertising and marketing to promote its brand. The company has invested 25 million euro in this strategy during 2001 and 2004 by pursuing aspects such as quality and superiority. This has made Calvo the favorite brand among Spanish consumers.

Due to the investments of 8.4 million euro made during the years 2001 and 2004 in the fields of research, development and innovations, as well as the 4 million investment this year, Calvo currently has more than 100 product references available and is a pioneer company on releasing new ones.

The Calvo Group, which was founded in 1944 by the Calvo family, is the leading canning industry in Spain with a market share of 17%. In Italy it is the second company on invoicing with its Nostromo brand and a 14% market share. In Portugal, the group has a 10% market share with its brand Calvo.

The Calvo group employs a total of over 3,000 personnel, working on its 11 vessels and 6 factories, which are located in Carballo and Esteiro (Northern Spain), Venezuela, El Salvador, Morocco and Brazil.