Spain’s wine sector is facing a favourable international outlook driven by the opening of new markets and changing global consumption patterns. Within this framework, the Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación and ICEX are preparing a new cooperation agreement aimed at boosting the international promotion of Spanish agri-food products, with wine as a strategic priority.
During a meeting with representatives of the Conferencia Española de Consejos Reguladores Vitivinícolas, which currently brings together 58 protected designations of origin, attention was drawn to the opportunities arising from recent European Union trade agreements with key regions such as Mercosur, India and Indonesia. These agreements open new pathways for the expansion of Spanish wines in high-potential markets.
TDB keeps you informed. Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
New international markets strengthen growth opportunities for Spain’s wine sector
The importance of coordinated action among all sector stakeholders —including interprofessional organisations, regulatory councils and public authorities— was highlighted as a key factor in strengthening the international positioning and reputation of Spanish wines.
Internationalisation efforts are focused on the development of structured, multiannual promotional campaigns under the umbrella of Spain Food Nation, designed to enhance global visibility and support companies in meeting regulatory and market-specific requirements.
Since 2020, the Ministry and ICEX have implemented successive cooperation agreements aligned with global market trends. The current agreement, with a budget exceeding €8.4 million, is now being followed by preparations for a new framework covering the 2026–2027 period, tailored to emerging consumer preferences.
Spain currently exports wine worth approximately €3 billion, a figure that underlines both the sector’s economic relevance and its potential for significant further growth, in line with progress seen in other agri-food industries.
At the same time, progress has been made on the International Plan for Spanish Gastronomy, an initiative aimed at strengthening Spain’s global culinary presence by highlighting the close links between wine, gastronomy and tourism as drivers of cultural and economic value.
In addition, the forthcoming wine policy package promoted by the Comisión Europea, set to enter into force in spring, was outlined. The package introduces key tools to support winegrowers and wineries, including greater flexibility in planting authorisations, supply management instruments and official recognition of low-alcohol and de-alcoholised wines, thereby enhancing the sector’s competitiveness and sustainability.
Finally, emphasis was placed on maximising the use of European promotion programmes and financial support for wine promotion in third countries under the Wine Sectoral Intervention, which allocates close to €56 million to international marketing actions.