Agri-Food Explores New Markets
- MADRID (AP) — Faced with trade obstacles and tariffs imposed by the U.S., spain's food and beverage industry is actively seeking new export markets to sustain growth and...
- Spain has solidified its position as a major food and beverage exporter within the European Union.
- according to FIAB data, spain's food sector exported 20.3 billion tons of products valued at 51 billion euros in 2024.
Spain’s food and Beverage Industry Diversifies Exports Amid Trade Tensions
Table of Contents
MADRID (AP) — Faced with trade obstacles and tariffs imposed by the U.S., spain’s food and beverage industry is actively seeking new export markets to sustain growth and employment. The industry is focusing on diversification to counter the effects of protectionist policies.
Spain: A Global Food Pantry
Spain has solidified its position as a major food and beverage exporter within the European Union. Verónica Puente, Director of Internationalization and International Commercial Policy of the spanish Federation of Food and Beverage Industries (FIAB), recently noted the country’s recognition as a “world pantry” due to the quality and safety of its products.
Export Figures Show Growth
according to FIAB data, spain’s food sector exported 20.3 billion tons of products valued at 51 billion euros in 2024. This represents an increase of 1.5% in volume and 7.2% in value compared to the previous year.
Shifting Export Destinations
While exports to some countries, including the U.S.,have seen a decline,FIAB reports growth in exports to Portugal,Italy,the Netherlands,the Philippines,Greece,and the Czech republic.
Puente highlighted the impact of protectionist policies, noting a “notable” drop in sales to the U.S. in the past year. This decline has prompted a strategic shift toward market diversification.
Focus on New Markets
The industry is eyeing markets previously closed off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as Japan and South Korea, where the EU has existing trade agreements. Attention is also turning to Southeast Asia, specifically the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), where the EU is negotiating agreements with the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Further opportunities lie in Mercosur, a south American trade bloc with a pending agreement, and in various African nations.
Europe Remains a Priority
Despite Brexit, the United Kingdom remains a “priority” market for Spanish exports. Germany, historically a strong market, continues to be a focus.
Supporting Internationalization
FIAB is actively promoting internationalization by managing company groups for the Gourmet channel and large-scale distribution in international markets. these initiatives aim to foster alliances and expand product offerings. In 2025, FIAB plans to organize 17 pavilions under the “Spain” brand at international fairs in locations such as Australia, Saudi Arabia, the united Arab Emirates, and the U.S.
Company Success stories
Covap‘s Global Expansion
Cooperativa del Valle de los Pedroches Covap is one example of a company making strides in international markets. Juan antonio Ballesteros, covap’s director, stressed the importance of “patience, dialog, common sense and continue working” in the face of uncertainty. Covap is expanding in Latin America,Europe,and Africa.
Covap opened a U.S. subsidiary in 2016 and has expanded throughout Asia,opening markets for its Iberian,dairy,sheep,and beef products. This expansion has contributed to economic sustainability and improved profitability for farmers in the Cordoba region.
Juver Eyes Africa and Latin America
José Antonio Navarro,international director of Juver,said the company aims to continue growth in Africa,maintain its presence in Asia,and focus on Latin America. juver is also exploring opportunities in Mexico and Canada, where consumers are seeking alternatives to U.S. products.
Acesur’s Global Reach
Aceitra Acesur,present in over 100 countries,allocates more than half of its sales to foreign markets. Juan González, Acesur’s exports director, said the company is committed to “bring the highest quality product to the consumer in the most direct way possible.”
Spain’s Food and Beverage Industry: Adapting and Thriving in a Changing Global Market
What is Spain’s food and beverage industry up to?
Spain’s food and beverage industry is actively diversifying its export markets to navigate trade obstacles, particularly those imposed by the U.S., according to recent reports. The industry is recognized as a major exporter within the European Union, earning the name “world pantry” due to the quality and safety of its products.
How accomplished is spain’s food export business?
Vrey successful! in 2024, the Spanish food sector exported 20.3 billion tons of products, valued at 51 billion euros.This represents a 1.5% increase in volume and a 7.2% increase in value compared to the previous year, demonstrating strong growth. (Source: FIAB data).
Has Spain faced any challenges in its food exports?
Yes, the industry has faced challenges. There has been a decline in sales to the U.S., linked to trade obstacles. This has led to a strategic shift toward market diversification.
Where is Spain focusing its food export efforts now?
Spain is expanding its focus on several key areas:
Europe: The United Kingdom remains a priority market despite Brexit. Germany also remains a strong focus.
New Markets: The industry is eyeing markets previously closed off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as Japan and South Korea.
Southeast Asia: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a target.
South America: Opportunities exist in Mercosur, a South American trade bloc.
Africa: Various African nations are also being targeted.
What is the impact of the shift in export destinations?
The shift is driven by the need to diversify and reduce reliance on any single market. The decline in sales to the U.S. prompted this strategic pivot, focusing on new opportunities around the globe.
What role is the Spanish Federation of Food and Beverage Industries (FIAB) playing in this?
FIAB is heavily involved in promoting and supporting internationalization by:
Managing company groups for the Gourmet channel and large-scale distribution in international markets.
Organizing initiatives to foster alliances and expand product offerings.
Planning to organise 17 pavilions under the “Spain” brand at international fairs in locations like Australia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the U.S. in 2025.
Are there any companies leading the charge?
Yes,Several Spanish food and beverage companies are expanding internationally:
Covap: Cooperativa del Valle de los Pedroches Covap (Covap) is expanding in Latin America,Europe,and Africa. They opened a U.S. subsidiary in 2016 and are expanding into Asia, focusing on Iberian, dairy, sheep, and beef products.
Juver: Juver is focused on continued growth in Africa, maintaining its presence in Asia, and prioritizing Latin America. They are also looking at opportunities in Mexico and Canada.
* Acesur: Aceitra Acesur,present in over 100 countries,allocates more than half of its sales to foreign markets,focusing on delivering high-quality products to consumers.
What are some of the specific strategies companies are using for international expansion?
Companies like Covap highlight the importance of “patience, dialog, common sense and continue working” when navigating uncertainty in new markets. Juver is targeting areas where there is demand for alternatives to U.S. products, indicating a market-driven approach. Acesur focuses on bringing quality products directly to consumers, emphasizing a commitment to the consumer.