Natra facts for kids

Natra is a big international company that makes and sells chocolate products. They are one of the top producers in Europe. Natra also makes ingredients from cocoa beans.

They focus on making products for other companies. This means they create chocolate bars or spreads that are sold under a different brand name. They also help big global brands make their own chocolate products.

Natra's consumer division makes many tasty treats. These include chocolate bars, pralines (small chocolates with fillings), and chocolate spreads. You can find their products in over 90 countries around the world!

Natra is also very important for processing cocoa beans in Spain. They handle about 40% of all cocoa grinding there. Their ingredients division provides things like cocoa butter, cocoa powder, and chocolate coatings. These are used by other food companies worldwide.

Most of Natra's business, about 75%, comes from outside Spain. They have six factories in different countries. Two are in Spain, two in Belgium, one in France, and one in Canada. They also have offices in Europe, America, and Asia.

How Natra Started and Grew

The Beginning: A Smart Invention

Natra began in 1943. Three young chemists from Valencia, Spain, came up with a clever idea. Their names were Arturo Benlloch, Juan Ferrándiz, and Álvaro Faubel. They found a way to get theobromine from cocoa. Theobromine is a natural substance, a bit like caffeine, found only in cocoa. This discovery led to the creation of Natra.

Expanding into Chocolate

In 1951, Natra started making and selling cocoa products. They opened their first factory in Mislata, Valencia. This was a big step for the company.

Growing with New Companies

Over the years, Natra grew by joining with other companies.

• In 2004, Natra took over Zahor, a Spanish company. This helped Natra start making finished chocolate products for people to buy. Zahor already had many customers in Europe. They had also just bought a factory in France that made chocolate bars.
• A year later, in 2005, Natra bought Chocolaterie Jacali in Belgium. This added delicious Belgian chocolates and other special treats to Natra's product range.
• In 2007, Natra bought All Crump, also in Belgium. This allowed them to create a new part of their business just for making chocolate spreads.

Reaching New Markets

From 2012 onwards, Natra focused on growing its consumer products business outside Europe. They expanded especially into America and Asia.

Modernizing and Planning for the Future

Between 2017 and 2018, Natra started a new plan. This plan was all about putting customers first. It aimed to help the company grow in a way that lasts a long time. They changed how the company was organized and brought in new leaders.

In 2020, Natra invested 20.9 million euros. This money was used to update their factories in Valencia and Malle. They added the newest technology to these plants. In 2021, they invested even more, 25 million euros, in their Saint Etienne factory in France. This greatly increased their ability to make industrial chocolate for that region and nearby areas.

Natra Today and Its Focus on Sustainability

Celebrating 80 Years

Natra celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2023. The company is always changing to keep up with new market trends. They also adapt to what customers want. Natra continues to focus on growing in a way that is good for the planet and people.

Commitment to a Better World

Natra is dedicated to making a positive impact.

• They are a member of the Rainforest Alliance. This group helps promote cocoa farming that protects the environment.
• Natra also belongs to the UN Global Compact. This is a worldwide network that works to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals aim to solve global challenges like poverty and climate change.
• The company has an ISO 20400 certification. This means they buy their raw materials in a sustainable way.

Ensuring Quality and Safety

Natra has important certifications for food safety. These ensure their products are safe and high quality for customers. Their food safety systems meet international standards like BRC, IFS, and FSSC 22000.

Special Certifications

Natra also has special certifications for certain products. These include:

• Kosher and Halal certifications, which mean products meet specific religious dietary rules.
• Fair trade certifications, which ensure farmers are paid fairly.
• Certificates for organic products and sustainable sourcing.

In 2022, Natra received the B-Corp certification. This is a special award for companies that balance profit with purpose. Natra became the first non-branded chocolate maker to join the B-Corp community. This shows their strong commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

See also

In Spanish: Natra para niños