About us
Over its 65 years of history, COVAP, Cooperativa Ganadera del Valle de los Pedroches, has created a new concept in food production that goes beyond traditional agriculture and stockbreeding.
Our history
The history of COVAP starts in 1959. That's when a group of farmers decided to buy raw materials to feed and raise their livestock. Without their knowing it, the impetus of this group of men and women influenced by their land and supported by their families was the first step in creating a revolutionary project, the livestock cooperative Cooperativa Ganadera del Valle de Los Pedroches.
2010
U.S. Certification
We get official U.S. Certification for the export of Ibérico pork products to the United States.
2013
1st edition of the COVAP Cup
The COVAP Cup. Much more than a sports event, this is aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle through diet and sport.
2013
Start of the Agriculture Project
This project is essential for monitoring the traceability of products, guaranteeing their origin and quality.
2016
Ricardo Delgado Vizcaíno reelected as chairman of COVAP
The General Assembly reelected the members of the Governing Board for four more years, and the Board will now be made up of thirteen people.
2016
Incorporation of COVAP USA
First subsidiary of the cooperative in a foreign country: COVAP USA LLC. It handles the marketing and sales of Ibérico pork products on the American continent.
2016
COVAP and IPARLAT acquire 100% of Lactiber León
COVAP and Iparlat acquire DAFSA’s 33% share in the jointly-owned company Lactiber León, in which the three partners previously had equal shares and which mainly produces Hacendado dairy products.
2016
Launch of Láctia Agroalimentaria SL
Launch of this company in which COVAP has a 51% share, aimed at packaging dairy products for Mercadona in Catalonia.
2017
COVAP adheres to the Guidelines on Good Business Practices in Food Procurement
This is considered a major advance in conflict resolution and contains the basic principles defended since the publication of the Food Chain Act.
2018
King Felipe VI meets with COVAP and other Andalusian companies
COVAP Chairman Ricardo Delgado Vizcaíno attended the working meeting along with various Andalusian agri-food and technology companies.
2018
New range of sausage products with no added preservatives, recognized at SIAL Paris
Esenciaúnica COVAP launches a new line of Ibérico sausage products with no added preservatives and completely free from nitrites and nitrates.
2018
4th Agri-Food Innovation Award
Awarded by Grupo Joly and Banco Santander for COVAP’s contribution to strengthening the agri-food sector in Andalusia.
2019
Naturleite project kicks off
On January 2 the Meira plant (Lugo) begins operations as Naturleite.
2019
The 26th Technical Seminars commemorate the Cooperative’s 60th anniversary
The 26th COVAP Technical Seminars were held with the title “Agricultural Cooperatives,” dedicated to the agricultural cooperatives movement in the context of the Cooperative’s 60th anniversary.
2019
“Cooperative of the Year” award
The 4th Spanish Agri-Food Cooperative Awards were held on June 26, 2019.
2019
Launch of the bottle line
The dairy industry facilities are expanded with the bottle line.
2019
Animal Welfare certificate from AENOR
First Spanish company to hold this certificate for dairy cattle farms, Ibérico pig farms and Classification Centers for cattle and sheep simultaneously.