For over four decades, Frialsa has built a business history that combines strategic vision, operational discipline, and a keen understanding of the logistical and commercial transformations in Mexico . What began as a family project to address a specific need has become a national network that precisely connects the links in the cold chain for refrigerated and frozen foods, linking production regions with distribution centers and export markets.
“We started 42 years ago because we saw a need. My dad had the idea along with one of my brothers, since many companies were suffering from a lack of space to store their products and had to go far away to find places to store them,” recalls Luis Jorba Servitje, CEO of Frialsa, in an interview with T21.
The company was founded in 1983 amidst an adverse economic environment: devaluations, inflation, and a lack of long-term credit. Despite this, it found support from a group of shareholders who believed in the logistics model. “We had the support and confidence of the shareholders, who believed in the business model and contributed capital so that we could succeed ,” says Jorba Servitje.
The first plant was established in Cuautitlán, State of Mexico, and quickly doubled its capacity. This was followed by a strategic expansion into Villagrán, Guanajuato, a key region due to its agricultural focus, and later into Zamora, Michoacán, with the acquisition of a National Warehouses (ANDSA) facility. These moves marked the beginning of a growth trajectory that combined territorial vision with close ties to the productive sectors.
Growth with a logistical vision
Mexico offered fertile ground for the development of cold storage infrastructure. As a natural exporter of fruits and vegetables—particularly frozen ones—the country demanded modern facilities and efficient processes. However, it was trade liberalization that accelerated the transformation of the agri-food market. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) marked a turning point.
“That marked a turning point. The treaty opened up trade in meat, agricultural, bakery, and confectionery products; before, Mexico lacked the production and infrastructure to export many of those products,” Jorba states.
Frialsa understood the new cycle and responded with a more sophisticated model. From an initial focus on warehousing and inventory control, it evolved into a comprehensive logistics services platform that includes handling, contract manufacturing, distribution, last mile delivery, and advanced inventory management.
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