Spain consolidates its status as an exporting powerhouse with a record €78.000 billion

 

The Spanish agri-food system has completed a historic transformation, evolving from a net importer to consolidating itself as a global exporting and gastronomic powerhouseDuring the presentation of Alimentaria 2026, the minister of Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación, Luis PlanasHe emphasized that the sector already employs more than 1,3 million people and reaches markets in 193 countries.

 

Record-breaking performance in agri-food foreign trade

 

The 2025 figures confirm the strength of Spain's production sector. Exports from the sector exceeded 78.000 millones de eurosThis represents a growth of over 80% since 2018. As detailed PlanasThis success is based on the competitiveness of more than 27.000 food industries and the work of 3.000 cooperatives that make up the country's leading manufacturing sector in terms of employment.

 

The minister highlighted that Spanish products are highly valued internationally due to their connection with the Mediterranean diet and its constant technological innovation. However, the Executive maintains active monitoring of the volatility of production costs, especially in relation to oil, gas and fertilizers, due to its direct impact on the food chain.

 

Key Indicator (2025 Data)	Recorded Value
Export volume	> 78.000 million euros
Direct employment in the sector	1,3 million people
Export growth since 2018	+ 80%
Number of food industries	27.000
International presence	193 countries

 

Geopolitical challenges and market diversification

 

The strategy of Gobierno de España It is now focusing on diversification in the face of a complex geopolitical scenario. With Estados Unidos positioned as the seventh destination for Spanish sales, the Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación It emphasizes the importance of strengthening trade agreements with strategic regions such as the Mercosur, India e Indonesia.

 

To sustain this competitiveness, significant financial resources have been mobilized through various support programs:

 

• Agri-food Sector: 320 million euros allocated to 440 industrial modernization projects.
• Digital Kit: 118 million euros for the technological transformation of companies.
• Associative Investment: 280 million euros aimed at cooperatives and priority entities.

 

Alimentaria 2026: 50 years of cutting-edge innovation in Barcelona

 

The next edition of Alimentaria, which will take place from March 23 to 26, 2026 in Barcelona, will celebrate its 50th anniversary. The event will be held in conjunction with Hostelcocreating a comprehensive platform for the hospitality and restaurant industry. The Ministry will have a 587-square-meter space to house 80 companies from ecological production.

 

"Fairs like Alimentaria "They are a privileged showcase to demonstrate to the world the talent and potential of the sector," he stated. Luis Planasalso highlighting the sponsorship of the first International Cooking Championship under the seal Alimentos de España.

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about the agri-food sector

 

What is the current volume of Spain's agri-food exports?

In 2025, exports reached a historic record of over 78.000 billion euros, consolidating an 80% growth in the last seven years.

 

What impact does the sector have on national employment?

The agri-food and fisheries system is a critical economic engine that employs more than 1,3 million people in Spain through 27.000 industries and 3.000 cooperatives.

 

What financial support has the Government allocated for the modernization of the sector?

320 million euros have been mobilized through the Perte Agroalimentario118 million through the program Kit Digital and 280 million for the promotion of cooperativism.