brand Spain
Ana Rodríguez, Secretary General for Agricultural Resources, emphasized the strategic importance of Spanish gastronomy, which already represents 27% of the national GDP. During a meeting in Santander, the new International Plan to strengthen Spain's position as a global leader in talent and innovation was highlighted.
Gastronomy stands as a strategic pillar for Spain's economy and international projection
Spanish gastronomy has transcended its cultural value to become an engine of economic development, innovation, and territorial cohesion, as well as a key element in the country's international projection. This has been stated by Ana Rodríguez, Secretary General for Agricultural Resources and Food Security, during the opening of the meeting “Spanish gastronomy: a strategic asset of the country”, organized by the Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación and Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo at the Palacio de la Magdalena de Santander.
In his speech, Rodríguez has highlighted the relevance of a sector that has become a true value-added industrycapable of connecting primary agri-food production with end consumers through a high-impact experience. The Secretary General highlighted that gastronomy functions as a "public diplomacy tool" that not only boosts the economy but also makes a decisive contribution to preserving the national food heritage.
The macroeconomic impact and the new roadmap for foreign business
The economic weight of the food service sector is one of the most compelling pieces of data validating its status as a strategic asset. According to figures provided by Ana Rodríguez, the value chain associated with gastronomy It already contributes 27% of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). and is responsible for the generation of 7,2 million jobsThese figures demonstrate a robust ecosystem that ranges from the primary sector to haute cuisine restaurants, including distribution and the processing industry.
To capitalize on this potential, the Government has promoted the new International Plan for Spanish GastronomyThis roadmap, as the Secretary General explained, is aimed at "strengthening the position of España as a world-renowned ecosystem for culinary training, talent, and innovation." The goal is not only to promote products, but to export a comprehensive model of excellence that attracts investment and qualified talent globally.
| Economic Indicator | Key Cipher |
|---|---|
| Contribution to National GDP | 27% |
| Employment generation | 7,2 million jobs |
Key points and frequently asked questions about the internationalization of Spanish gastronomy
How can Spanish exporting companies benefit from this new International Plan?
Companies in the agri-food sector can leverage the increased visibility and prestige of the "Brand" España» gastronomic. The plan seeks to create an umbrella of excellence that facilitates the entry of products premium in international markets, associating them with an ecosystem of innovation and talent. This opens doors not only to food exports, but also to consulting services, training, and food technology.
What are the implications for the supply chain of gastronomy being a strategic asset?
Considering gastronomy as a strategic sector elevates the importance of the entire value chain. This implies a greater focus on traceability, sustainability, and product quality from the source. For logistics and export professionals, this represents an opportunity to develop specialized solutions for transporting high-value food products, maintaining the cold chain and guaranteeing the highest quality at the destination, which in turn strengthens the competitiveness of Spanish products.
What direct business opportunities does this approach generate beyond exporting products?
The positioning of España as a hub The development of gastronomic talent fosters high-quality tourism, the creation of international training centers, and the attraction of R&D in food technology (FoodtechFor companies, this translates into investment opportunities in tourism infrastructure, partnerships with specialized business schools, and the development of technological solutions for the HORECA sector globally.
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