PRODUCTOS MATA, S.A.

Productos Mata is a Spanish family-owned company whose origins date back to 1897, when Leandro Mata Carrillo founded a small confectionery workshop with his wife in Alcaudete (Jaén). The business initially focused on traditional sweets, establishing a legacy that would endure for generations. After Leandro’s death in 1910, his son Carlos Mata Burgos took over at just 17 years old. He expanded the business significantly, introducing nationwide commercialization of products such as mantecados and polvorones, and formally registering the brand “Mantecados Mata.” His entrepreneurial vision also led the company into vegetable preserves, starting with canned peaches, which helped build a reputation for quality. In 1932, the company launched its most iconic savory product, Habas Fritas (fried broad beans), considered the first ready-made vegetable dish in Spain. This innovation marked a turning point, positioning the company as a pioneer in the food industry. Following Carlos’s death in 1948, the next generation continued the expansion. In 1949, the company introduced Hojaldrinas, a Christmas pastry that quickly became a national favorite and remains one of its flagship products. Over time, the company diversified further, adding products like fried tomato sauce in 1980, emphasizing natural ingredients and traditional Mediterranean recipes. In 1973, the business was incorporated as a public limited company (Productos Mata S.A.), though it remained entirely family-owned. Across five generations, the company has preserved its artisanal methods while gradually incorporating modern technology. Today, Productos Mata is recognized as a benchmark brand in Spain, known for its high-quality sweets and gourmet preserves. Its long history reflects a combination of tradition, innovation, and strong family continuity, maintaining a commitment to excellence that has defined the company for over a century.