Spain’s agri-food system has undergone a major transformation over the past decades, positioning the country among the leading international benchmarks in food production, exports and gastronomy. The country has evolved from being traditionally dependent on food imports to becoming a major exporting power with an expanding presence in global markets.
The strength of the sector is reflected in the results achieved in 2025, when agri-food exports exceeded €78 billion, marking a new record and confirming the competitiveness and resilience of Spain’s production model. Spanish food and beverage products are currently distributed in 193 countries, where they are increasingly valued for their quality, innovation and close association with the Mediterranean diet.
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Spain has moved from a net food importer to a global exporting and gastronomic power
This progress has been made possible by the coordinated work of farmers, livestock producers, fishermen and the food industry. Their efforts ensure the supply of safe, high-quality and competitive products to both domestic and international markets. The agri-food and fisheries system provides employment for more than 1.3 million people and includes over 27,000 food industries, among them more than 3,000 cooperatives. As a result, the food and beverage industry stands as the country’s largest manufacturing sector in terms of both employment and turnover.
The current geopolitical environment presents several challenges for the sector, particularly regarding the volatility of energy prices and key agricultural inputs such as fertilisers. These variables directly affect farming and fishing production costs, as well as transportation and food preservation throughout the supply chain.
International trade remains a strategic pillar for the sector’s continued expansion. In 2025, the United States ranked as the seventh destination for Spanish agri-food exports, highlighting the importance of global trade relations and the need to diversify export markets. New commercial opportunities are also emerging through international agreements with regions such as Mercosur, India and Indonesia.
To strengthen modernisation and competitiveness across the agri-food system, several public support programs have been implemented. Among them are investments linked to the Agri-food PERTE initiative, which has mobilised around €320 million to support more than 440 modernisation projects in the food and beverage industries, including the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
Additional support has been provided through the Digital Kit program, which has allocated more than €118 million to promote technological transformation within the sector. Furthermore, investments exceeding €280 million have been directed toward cooperatives and priority associative entities, aiming to reinforce business integration and enhance the competitiveness of agri-food companies.
In this context, the Alimentaria 2026 trade fair, scheduled to take place in Barcelona from 23 to 26 March and marking the 50th anniversary of its first edition, will serve as a key international platform for promoting the Spanish agri-food sector. The event will bring together companies, professionals and buyers from around the world, showcasing the talent, innovation and quality that define Spain’s food production industry.