For five years, Cayetano Martínez de Irujo directed with skill the gourmet products business of Alba’s house. His management at the head of Alba Fine Food was, according to his own words, a project of passion and dedication. However, with the death of her mother, the legendary Duchess of Alba, the dynamics in the family changed. His brother Carlos, the Duke of Alba, took the reinsand the one who was a favorite son of Cayetana de Alba was set out from the equation. Now, the company is still operational, but under a new denomination: CDA 1430 SL
The reason contacted Cayetano, Duke of Arjona, to know his version of the facts. Serene and prudent, confirms that the original society has not dissolved, as at some point it was speculated. «The company has not closed, but has changed society to benefit from tax advantages. The new one is in the name of my brother, Carlos and Fernando. That is all I can say, ”he clarifies with a contained tone, faithful to his style.
When asked if the business experienced a decline after its departure, it is evasive: «I don’t know, I couldn’t say it. I have nothing to do with that house (that of Alba), ”he replies firmly, making it clear that the past was behind. A few days ago he received erroneous information about the alleged closure of society, and although at first he surprised him, then confirmed that it was not true. «That caught me off guard, but then it was seen that it was not. It was wrong information», Says naturally. But the key question is inevitable: if his older brother, the Duke of Alba, asked him to resume the business of the business, would he accept? His answer is blunt: «It is not my subject. That brand has nothing to do with me. In addition, I prefer not to talk about the matter ». A courteous, but unappealable closure.
The truth is that Alba Fine Food did not reach expectations and the Duke of Arjona is confident that her nephews can refloat the gourmet division of the dynasty. In a recent interview with “Look”, Cayetano recognized the difficulties of this sector. «The competition is fierce. You have to work hard, with dedication and with good professionals, ”he explained. And with a certain bitterness he added: «When my mother died, everything began to get rid of».
Yes, the death of Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart marked a before and after in the house of Alba. While her children were never a monolithic block, the Duchess maintained some balance. Today, relationships are cold and distant. Between Cayetano and his brother Carlos, respect, but nothing more. Last November, during the Mass in memory of his mother in Seville, both greeted themselves with correction, but without affection. The image was unequivocal: Two distant brothers, two worlds apart.
Eugenia and Fernando have a relationship is warmer, but with the rest there is hardly any contact. The Duchess of Alba was the glue that united them in life, and her absence has left a difficult schism. Today, the Añorada Cayetana would have turned 99 years old. And if something is clear is that, if you are still alive, the family portrait would be very different.