The Sevilla-based company now exceeds 450 employees after recording a 21.8% workforce growth in the last year.
Exports represent 40% of the business, with a consolidated presence in more than 35 countries across Europe, America, and the Middle East.
The firm celebrates 20 years of the strategic transformation that turned it from a traditional bakery into a biotechnological benchmark.
Aurora Intelligent Nutrition (AIN), a global leader in the smart nutrition sector, announces a record-breaking fiscal year close with a turnover of 42 million euros.
This growth, representing a 15% increase over the previous year, coincides with a key milestone in its history: two decades since the company revolutionized its trajectory by manufacturing its first protein bar, initiating a successful transition from the tradition of mantecados (traditional Spanish shortbread) to high nutritional technology.
A legacy of transformation: 20 years of functional innovation
The story of Aurora Intelligent Nutrition is a tale of industrial metamorphosis. Born as Mantecados La Aurora, an iconic family bakery in Estepa founded in the mid-20th century, the company evolved under the vision of Fernando Moreno Cáceres, CEO of AIN and grandson of the founders.
In 2006, faced with the challenge of overcoming the seasonality of traditional sweets, Moreno Cáceres led the development of a high-protein bar commissioned by a client. That moment marked the birth of Aurora Intelligent Nutrition. Today, the company has fused more than 80 years of experience in flavor with the most demanding standards of nutritional science, becoming a strategic ally for brands worldwide.
360° Portfolio: Science applied to food
Aurora has diversified its production capacity to cover all needs of the health and wellness market. The company’s reliability in international markets is supported by an infrastructure of over 32,000 m² backed by the most stringent certifications:
- Facilities: IFS Food, SGS (GMP), SMETA, FSSC 22000, and Carbon Footprint (CO2) certification.
- Product: Rainforest Alliance, Halal, V-Label (Vegan), and CAAE (Organic).
This technical capacity allows Aurora to offer a comprehensive portfolio ranging from functional bars and supplementation (capsules, softgels, powder) to gels, functional gummies, vials, creams, and snacks, all with customized formulations for third parties. Its catalog of personalized solutions features more than 12,000 proprietary formulas.
The European Union remains a strategic pillar, representing one-third of the total business volume. High-demand markets such as Germany, Denmark, Portugal, Poland, and Belgium lead European demand, while the company reinforces its presence outside the EU in high-potential regions like Latin America, Canada, and the Middle East.
A history of recognition: The “Vitafoods Effect”
The commitment to flavor and efficacy in complex products has led the company to be repeatedly awarded internationally, accumulating three wins and one finalist position at the prestigious Vitafoods Europe trade fair.
This record of success began in 2022 when the company was a finalist with its innovative tenebrio molitor (mealworm) bar. Since then, Aurora Intelligent Nutrition has won the first prize for the best-tasting functional food, winning it for three consecutive years. They aim to defend this title at the upcoming edition held in Barcelona from May 5th to 7th.
This accolade joins an extensive trophy cabinet that includes the SME of the Year Award for Seville (granted by the Chamber of Commerce and Banco Santander) and the Flag of Andalusia for Economy and Business, among other awards recognizing the company’s excellence in biotechnology and health.
Investment in talent: 21.8% growth in workforce
Aurora Intelligent Nutrition has established itself as a hub for high-quality employment in Andalusia. In the 2024-2025 period, the company experienced a 21.8% increase in personnel, now exceeding 450 employees. The firm stands out for its commitment to diversity and talent retention:
- Equality: 67.7% of the staff are women.
- Retention: The absenteeism rate is below the sector average, and its new onboarding plan has a rating of 4.85/5.
- Internal Promotion: 17.5% of vacancies are filled with internal talent, supported by 35 annual training actions.
This investment in talent is key for Fernando Moreno Cáceres, CEO of AIN:
“We take great care of our internal culture through closeness, active listening, and consistency between what we say and what we do. We remain a family business in the best sense of the word, even though we play in a global league. The Happy Index® At Work certificate obtained a few weeks ago doesn’t speak of processes or figures; it speaks of how our team feels within Aurora Intelligent Nutrition. Seeing that effort translate into well-being, a sense of belonging, and satisfaction is, without a doubt, one of the greatest achievements we can celebrate as a company.”
ESG Commitment: Sustainability and Social Action
For Aurora Intelligent Nutrition, profitability goes hand in hand with responsibility. The company has integrated sustainability as a strategic axis through three pillars:
- Energy Efficiency: Plant optimization for a drastic reduction in the carbon footprint.
- Circular Economy: Responsible waste management and the use of sustainable and traceable ingredients.
- Social Impact: Through the Aurora Intelligent Nutrition Foundation, the company gives back to society by promoting training in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) areas, equal opportunities, and the development of young talent in Andalusia.
“Our evolution demonstrates that tradition and innovation are not mutually exclusive. We keep our heart in Estepa and the attention to detail of our grandparents, but with a global and scientific vision that allows us to lead the new generation of intelligent foods,” concludes Fernando Moreno.
Innovations in Food (& Beverage) Technology is a quarterly magazine distributed globally both in Print and Digital formats. www.innovationsfood.com. Twitter: @Innovfoodtech. Instagram: @innovationsinfoodtechnology. Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/terry-prior52
