Agri-food industry
The Spanish confectionery sector generated €8.110 billion in revenue in 2025, a 4,5% increase, according to a report by the industry association Produlce. Exports grew by 10,5% to €2.658 billion, driven by cocoa and biscuits, consolidating the sector's position as the fifth largest agri-food exporter in Spain.
The Spanish confectionery sector closed the 2025 financial year with a record turnover of 8.110 billion euros, 4,5% more than in 2024, according to the latest report from the Spanish Association of Sweets (Produlce)This growth is based on a historic export boost, which reached 2.658 million euros, consolidating the international competitiveness of the industry.
In an environment marked by volatility in the cocoa market, rising energy costs, and tariff tensions, the Spanish confectionery industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Its 4,5% growth in total revenue exceeds that of the food industry as a whole by 3,4 percentage points, a difference that, according to industry experts, is explained by a strong commitment to... efficiency, the innovation and market diversification.
Exports, the engine of growth for the sector
The international appeal of Spanish confectionery was consolidated in 2025, with exports growing at a much faster rate than the domestic market. Exports increased by 10,5% to reach a record €2.658 billion, further solidifying the sector's position as the fifth largest exporter in the Spanish agri-food industryThe trade balance showed a positive balance of 833 million euros, reflecting the competitiveness of national products.
The export boost was led by the category of cocoa and chocolatewhose sales soared by 35,7%, and that of cookies, which grew by 13,9%. In their analysis, Rubén Moreno, general secretary of ProdulceHe highlighted the significance of these results: "Exceeding 2.600 billion euros in exports in a year marked by tariff tensions and the volatility of raw materials is a very powerful signal: Spanish confectionery has its own niche in international markets because it competes on quality, innovation and trust, not just on price."
By destinations, Europa It remains the main trading partner, accounting for 72% of sales. However, the sector is advancing its diversification strategy, with notable dynamism in markets such as Marruecos, which is emerging as a key platform for expansion into non-European destinations.
| Indicator | Valor 2025 Ranking | Variation vs. 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Billing | 8.110 M€ | + 4,5 % |
| Exports | 2.658 M€ | + 10,5 % |
| Balance of trade | +€833m | Positive |
| Direct Jobs | 28.439 | + 2,8 % |
Innovation and quality employment as strategic pillars
The sector's strength is reflected not only in its business figures but also in its capacity to generate quality employment. In 2025, almost 28.500 direct jobs were created, 2,8% more than the previous year. The following stand out: female presence, which is close to parity (46,9%)This figure is significantly higher than the average of 28,3% in the manufacturing industry. Furthermore, 79% of young people entering the sector do so with a permanent contract, highlighting its appeal as a generator of stable careers.
This commitment to human capital is complemented by a strong commitment to investment. The sector allocated 5,2% of its revenue to improving production processes, above the average of 3,6% in the food and beverage industry. This strategy, according to the report by ProdulceThis has allowed the company to achieve a profitability of 11,3% and improve the purchasing power of its employees, while containing the impact of costs on the end consumer.
| Category | Value (M€) | Variation vs. 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| cocoa and chocolate | 857,8 | + 35,7 % |
| Cookies | 702,9 | + 13,9 % |
| candy and gum | 723,0 | -2,5% |
| Pastry and pastries | 214,7 | + 5,3 % |
| Nougats and marzipans | 72,8 | + 7,6 % |
Key points and frequently asked questions about the Spanish confectionery sector
What are the main markets of opportunity for Spanish sweets?
Although Europa It remains the main destination (72% of exports), with Francia, Portugal y Alemania At the forefront, the sector shows great dynamism in other markets. Estados Unidos It is already the second largest destination for nougat and marzipan, and Marruecos It is consolidating itself as a strategic and high-growth market for categories such as biscuits and chocolates, serving as a gateway to other African markets.
What factors explain the sector's resilience despite cost pressures?
The sector's ability to grow above the industry average is based on three pillars: one Strong investment in innovation and efficiency (5,2% of revenue), which allows for process optimization and price containment; a diversification strategy of markets to mitigate geopolitical and tariff risks; and the high quality and added value of its products, which allow it to compete in international markets not only on price, but also on trust and differentiation.
How does the positive export data affect Spain's trade balance?
The record exports of 2.658 billion euros consolidate the confectionery sector as the fifth export pillar of the Spanish agri-food industryThis has a very positive impact on the country's trade balance, with a sectoral surplus of 833 million euros in 2025. This figure reinforces the position of Spanish industry as a competitive player and generator of foreign exchange on the global stage.
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