From the Mediterranean waters of Murcia to the bustling kitchens of Manhattan, Cooke España’s premium fish reaches global destinations in just 48 hours thanks to the speed and efficiency of IAG Cargo. We caught up with Manolo Nicolás, Business Development Manager at Cooke España, to talk freshness, global reach and the critical role IAG Cargo plays in bringing high-quality seafood to plates across the world.
Can you introduce Cooke España?
As part of the global Cooke group, our team of 650 professionals are based in Águilas, in the southeast of Spain. We specialise in the production of sea bass, sea bream, and meagre, overseeing every stage of the process, from hatchery to harvest to final delivery. This fully integrated, end-to-end approach, is essential to maintaining exceptional quality, traceability, and freshness in every product we offer.
Our operations in Águilas contribute not only to the consistent production of high-quality fish but also to the local economy, supporting hundreds of jobs across aquaculture, processing, and related services. This sustained investment fosters long-term economic development and stability within the region.
What role does IAG Cargo play in your operations?
IAG Cargo plays a vital role in our end-to-end logistics chain, ensuring the efficient and reliable transport of our products to international markets. Once the fish reaches their hub Madrid Airport, IAG Cargo manages the critical next stage–coordinating the temperature-controlled transport of packed fish. IAG Cargo’s global network provides direct flights and onward connections, particularly through London, to reach key markets such as the United States, Canada, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. The flexibility and reliability of their services enable us to handle growing export volumes with confidence. Plus, their expertise in managing export documentation ensures each shipment adheres to international compliance standards, contributing to a streamlined and efficient export process.
For us, a successful logistics partner is defined not only by speed but also by precision and collaboration. IAG Cargo’s specialised Constant Fresh service for perishable goods is essential in preserving the freshness and quality our customers expect. Furthermore, their team, particularly the dedicated professionals based in Madrid, serves as an extension of our own operations.
How important is international trade to your business?
International trade plays a critical role in our business strategy. Over the past five years, our export volumes have tripled, with key markets beyond Europe including the United States, Canada, and the Middle East. These regions are vital to our continued growth, and we are actively pursuing expansion opportunities in Asia and Latin America. The ability to export at scale is not only a commercial priority, it’s the foundation that enables us to reinvest in our workforce, enhance our infrastructure, and contribute to our local communities.
What contributes to the reputation of your seafood among international buyers?
Freshness and quality. To ensure optimal freshness and quality, we harvest our fish at night, when cooler temperatures help preserve their condition at the source. The catch is then transported in refrigerated trucks to our processing facility in Águilas, before being dispatched via Madrid Airport. In less than 48 hours, our products can be served in restaurants worldwide, delivering exceptional quality from sea to plate.
What are the main challenges when exporting to overseas markets?
Timing and traceability are two of the biggest challenges when shipping internationally. Longer transit times mean there is very little room for error, so maintaining speed, product integrity, and compliance is essential throughout the logistics process. This is where IAG Cargo’s expertise proves invaluable. Their Constant Fresh service ensures that our fish is maintained at the optimal temperature from Madrid to key destinations such as Miami and the Middle East, thereby safeguarding the freshness and quality of our products until they reach the end customer.
In addition to temperature control, IAG Cargo provides critical support in navigating the complex documentation and customs requirements unique to each market. When operational demands require faster shipments or increased volumes, IAG Cargo offers flexibility, capacity, and priority handling to ensure continuity and efficiency.
It is this combination of speed, specialist handling, and export expertise that enables us to serve global markets efficiently, reliably and with confidence, even as we scale up volumes and expand into new regions.
Finally, what is next for Cooke España?
Our ambition is to continue expanding into new international markets while consistently upholding the high standards that define our brand. Achieving that requires both scale and precision, and IAG Cargo’s capacity, reliability, and trusted partnership give us the confidence to grow. Their expertise allows us to deliver fresh, premium-quality fish from our farms in Murcia to some of the world’s most renowned restaurants.
However, our vision goes beyond commercial growth. It is also about meaningful impact. Our operations support hundreds of jobs across various Spanish regions, strengthening the local economy and sustaining coastal communities. Every shipment we export generates a ripple effect, from our farmers and processors to logistics teams and support services. By enabling us to trade globally, IAG Cargo plays a vital role in fuelling long-term investment, resilience, and opportunity in our community, providing a true partnership built on trust and expertise.
Discover more about IAG Cargo’s Constant Fresh product here.
