The Spanish agri-food sector, comprising the primary sector, the processing industry and marketing, generated a gross value added (GVA) of 130.808 millones de euros in 2024. This economic engine already represents the 9% of total GVA de Españaconsolidating its external competitiveness through real growth of 3,7%.
A snapshot of economic weight and employment
The sector's importance is measured not only in monetary terms, but also in its capacity to absorb labor. In 2024, the agri-food ecosystem sustained 2,55 million jobs, which is equivalent to 11,6% of total employment in the country. This occupancy volume experienced an increase of 1% compared to the previous year.
By breaking down the value chain, the phase of merchandising It stands as the most decisive link, contributing 3,7% to the national GVA and 5,8% to employment. Meanwhile, the primary sector contributes 2,9% to GVA, while the manufacturing industry (food, beverages and tobacco) generates 2,4% of gross value added.
| Agri-food Indicator 2024 | Value / Figure | Variation vs 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Value Added (GVA) | 130.808 M€ | +4,7% (nominal) |
| employment generated | 2,55 million | + 1,0% |
| Total exports | 74.231 M€ | + 5,9% |
| Productivity vs EU-27 | + 14,4% | |
| Domestic consumption expenditure | 83.795 M€ | + 2,6% |
Leadership in competitiveness and export
One of the most significant findings of the sixth edition of Observatory on the agri-food sector of the Spanish regions, produced by Cajamar in collaboration with IvieThe key is the high efficiency of the Spanish model. The system is a 19% more competitive that the average of the UE-27 in terms of unit labor costs.
Under the direction of Joaquín Maudos and the co-authorship of Jimena SalamancaThe study highlights that exports reached 74.231 millones de eurosThis fundamental pillar of the sector represents 19,3% of all Spanish exports, driven mainly by an increase in the volume of product shipped.
- Fruits: Alemania (28,1%) and Francia (18%) lead the destinations.
- Meat Sector: Francia (13,2%) and China (10,6%) are the main customers.
- Olive oil: Italia (21,7%) and Estados Unidos (14,3%) lead the purchases.
- Legumes and Vegetables: Strong concentration on Alemania (27,4%) and Reino Unido (14,6%).
Regional imbalances and domestic consumption
At the regional level, Andalucía, Cataluña and Comunitat Valenciana They act as the main drivers of the sector, concentrating 44,3% of the GVA and almost half of the national agri-food employment. Andalucía It stands out especially with a 6,3% growth in its added value during 2024.
In terms of internal competitiveness, Castilla-La Mancha y Aragón They have the most optimized labor costs, being 24% and 21% below the national average, respectively. On the other hand, the Comunidad de Madrid and the Principado de Asturias They register the highest costs.
Regarding household consumption, spending amounted to 83.795 millones de eurosAlthough the volume of kilos consumed remained stable, spending increased by 2,6% due to more moderate inflation. Households in Extremadura They are the ones who allocate the largest part of their budget to food (24,2%), compared to 17,5% of residents in Madrid.
Key points and frequently asked questions about the agri-food sector
What is the real weight of the agri-food sector in the Spanish economy?
The sector contributes 9% of the country's total Gross Value Added (GVA) and generates 11,6% of national employment, totaling more than 2,55 million employed in 2024.
How does Spain stand in terms of competitiveness compared to Europe?
The Spanish agri-food sector is the fourth most competitive in the UE-27Its productivity per worker is 14,4% higher than the EU average and its labor costs are 19% lower than the European average.
Which regions lead exports and production in Spain?
Andalucía, Cataluña and Comunitat Valenciana These are the leading communities, concentrating 44,3% of the added value and more than two-thirds of the sector's total exports.
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