Success Story: Why IFCO chose Barcelona for its Digital Hub

Founded in Munich, Germany, IFCO is a global leader in reusable packaging solutions for fresh food and today operates its digital innovation hub in Barcelona, Catalonia. The company is on a mission to reduce CO₂ emissions, minimize plastic waste, and tackle food loss worldwide.

With over 400 million reusable crates in circulation across more than 50 countries, IFCO offers an efficient and sustainable alternative to single-use plastics and cardboard.

IFCO: Driving sustainability in the fresh food supply chain from Barcelona

Equipped with cutting-edge IoT technology such as QR codes, RFID, Bluetooth, and GPS, IFCO’s “smart crates” allow for real-time monitoring of location and temperature, optimizing logistics while ensuring food safety and quality. Carlos Buenosvinos, VP of Software and Data Development at IFCO, explains: “Our long-lasting crates, which can be reused for over 50 years, not only reduce food waste but also make the fresh food supply chain more sustainable and efficient.”

“Barcelona is one of the best places in the world to build a digital hub”

Carlos Buenosvinos, VP of Software and Data Development, IFCO 

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Barcelona Digital Hub: IFCO’s center for data and IoT innovation

In 2023, IFCO established its Digital Hub in Barcelona, which today employs over 50 professionals specializing in software and data. The hub’s mission is to leverage the vast amounts of data generated by IFCO’s smart crates and IoT technologies to deliver innovative, data-driven solutions for clients around the globe.

For IFCO, Barcelona was the natural choice. The city offers a vibrant startup ecosystem, a pool of global tech talent, and a strong culture of sustainability awareness.

“Barcelona is one of the best places in the world to build a digital hub,” highlights Buenosvinos. “The professionals we interview are not only highly skilled but also deeply motivated to work on solutions that make the world more sustainable.”

Catalonia: A sustainable business hub with global talent

Catalonia’s unique combination of infrastructure, international connectivity, and strong awareness of sustainability issues makes it a strategic location for companies like IFCO. Proximity to major fresh food distribution centers and the Mediterranean Sea further strengthens the region’s role in developing innovative, sustainable supply chains.

As Buenosvinos points out, talent is also a key factor: “Many of the candidates we hire in Barcelona are especially sensitive to sustainability, and they join IFCO because they want to make a positive impact for future generations.”

How Catalonia Trade & Investment supports international companies

Catalonia Trade & Investment works with international companies to set up and expand in Barcelona-Catalonia, offering support in site selection, talent recruitment, connections with local ecosystems, and tailored advice on innovation and sustainability projects.

Just as IFCO has found in Barcelona the ideal location for its digital hub, your company can also benefit from the region’s dynamic business environment and global outlook.