From a garage to leading the European market: The journey of Miguel Ángel Vázquez and Procubitos in “Así empecé”

In the business world, the strongest success stories are those that combine long-term vision, operational resilience, and an innate ability to identify underserved market niches. Recently, Miguel Ángel Vázquez, a key figure at Grupo Hervaz, participated in The Objective podcast “Así empecé” (This is how I started).

In this interview, Vázquez details the exponential growth of Procubitos, a project that was born out of a family logistical need and that today is consolidated as the largest producer of ice cubes in Europe.

Strategic vision: The origin of an industrial giant

What is now an international holding company began in 1989 in a garage in Algeciras. The need to supply ice to family-owned gas stations in the Campo de Gibraltar region was the catalyst for an industry that, under the family’s management, has never stopped innovating.

For the investor and strategic partner, the story of Procubitos is a case study in scalability and sector consolidation:

• Production milestones: From manufacturing 2,000 kilos per day to reaching a capacity of 800 tons per day.
• National and international expansion: The opening of plants in Cebreros (Ávila) and the acquisition of factories in Germany marked a step towards European hegemony.
• Key mergers: The strategic merger with Cubers Premium in 2018 allowed us to optimize the value chain and dominate the distribution market in Spain and Europe.

Innovation and efficiency: The pillars of Grupo Hervaz

In the podcast, Miguel Ángel Vázquez highlights how technology has been the competitive differentiator. From the implementation of high-speed bagging machines to the development of manufacturing processes that guarantee the quality of “Spanish ice” (internationally recognized for its durability and purity), the group has prioritized energy efficiency and sustainability.

Furthermore, Grupo Hervaz has successfully managed the challenges of seasonality, transforming a traditionally complex business into a precision logistics operation capable of responding to critical demand peaks during heat waves on the continent.

An invitation to discover the DNA of Procubitos

To understand a company’s success, it’s essential to understand the mindset of its leaders. This interview not only traces the company’s history but also offers valuable lessons on risk management, strategic alliances, and organic and inorganic growth.

If you want to delve deeper into the key factors that have led Procubitos to become a leader in the refrigeration sector in Europe and learn more about the business vision of Grupo Hervaz, we invite you to listen to the full interview.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast here: Miguel Ángel Vázquez (Procubitos): «De un garaje a liderar la producción de hielo en Europa»