About Competa Microgreens

Premium indoor-grown microgreens from the heart of the Axarquía.

Our Story

Competa Microgreens was created with a simple idea: to bring the highest quality fresh microgreens to homes, restaurants, and gourmet kitchens in southern Spain. From a small indoor farm located in Cómpeta, Málaga, we grow each tray with precision, care, and a commitment to excellence.

How We Grow

Our microgreens are grown indoors in a carefully controlled environment. By using clean water, professional grow lights, and food-safe substrates, we ensure perfect conditions all year round. This method protects the plants from pests, weather, and contamination — resulting in cleaner, fresher, and more consistent microgreens.

Our Seeds & Growing Supplies

All of our microgreens begin with premium, untreated organic seed from trusted specialist suppliers. We select lots specifically labelled for microgreen and sprouting use, with excellent germination rates and consistent flavour. A large part of our range comes from ZenGreens, a dedicated microgreens seed supplier known for clean, high-performance seed lines and careful batch testing.

We also source certain varieties from Irish suppliers such as SeedsIreland.ie, which allows us to access interesting European lines and seasonal batches. Wherever they originate, all seeds are stored correctly and used within their optimal freshness window to ensure strong, even growth.

Many of our microgreens are grown hydroponically on an inert, food-safe silicon growing medium rather than soil. This reduces mess in the kitchen, keeps the roots clean and makes handling easier for chefs and home cooks. For trays and equipment we rely on Bootstrap Farmer products, using their heavy-duty 10×20 trays and professional accessories to keep our growing setup robust, consistent and reliable.

Quality & Freshness

Each tray is harvested by hand at its peak stage. We cut only what will be delivered that day, ensuring maximum shelf life and flavour. No pesticides, no chemicals — just clean, vibrant microgreens packed with natural goodness.

But is it safe? Compliance & Food Safety

At Competa Microgreens, we produce fresh microgreens in small batches in Cómpeta, Málaga, following strict hygiene and food-safety practices. Our production is carried out under the Venta de Proximidad model, which legally allows small producers to sell fresh agricultural foods directly to consumers and to local hospitality businesses.

Licences & Legal Framework

Our activity operates under the following regulations:

Because microgreens are a fresh, unprocessed vegetable product, and production is small-scale and local, registration in the RGSEAA (Sanitary Register) is not required for this type of direct sale.

A Declaración Responsable has been prepared for presentation to the Ayuntamiento, documenting our activity, hygiene plan, and traceability system.

Declaración Responsable

Food Safety Training & Certification

Our food handling and hygiene training meets the requirements of EU food law.
  • Food Handler Certificate – High Risk (Nivel Alto Riesgo, 10 hours)
  • Issued by: Qualitas Alimentaria Proyecto S.L.U.
  • Holders: Ben Alford & Bethany May Alford
  • Valid for handling and selling fresh plant products to the public and the hospitality sector.

This certification ensures we follow proper hygiene practices from seed to harvest to delivery.

Ben's Cert
Bethany's Cert

Hygiene, Cleaning & Traceability

We maintain a documented internal system that includes:
  • Cleaning and disinfection procedures
  • Safe water and equipment use
  • Environmental control (temperature, humidity, ventilation)
  • Batch identification on every harvest
  • Traceability logs from seed lot → harvest → delivery
  • Rapid recall procedure (required under EU law)

All surfaces and tools are disinfected before and after production, and the growing area is segregated from domestic spaces.

Our Commitment

We grow microgreens safely, cleanly, and sustainably, following guidelines set for small local producers. We aim to provide restaurants and local consumers with:
  • A reliable, safe, and fresh product
  • Transparent information about production
  • Compliance with all applicable hygiene and safety standards

From the Mountains of Málaga

Cómpeta is known for its beautiful mountain climate, artisanal traditions, and vibrant food culture. Nestled in the hills above the Costa del Sol, the area benefits from clean mountain air, gentle breezes and stable temperatures that favour healthy plant growth all year round. This unique microclimate, combined with our controlled indoor setup, helps microgreens stay strong, crisp and vibrant for longer once harvested. We are proud to grow locally in Cómpeta and to serve the surrounding communities, restaurants and markets with microgreens that travel a short distance but keep an impressive shelf life.

Serving the Axarquía & Málaga

We are proud to supply fresh microgreens to homes and restaurants in: Cómpeta, Torrox, Nerja, Frigiliana, Vélez-Málaga, Sayalonga, Algarrobo, and throughout the Province of Málaga.