In a global environment marked by the instability of international commodity prices, with fluctuations in wheat prices and volatility in oil prices impacting logistics costs, the Spanish agri-food sector is emerging not only as a bulwark of resilience, but also as an engine of innovation and expansion.

Global data

According to the latest Monthly Agri-Food Trade Report published by the European Commission, Spain's agri-food exports reached an impressive €12 billion in the first seven months of the year.

This 5% growth compared to the same period in 2024 is not merely a statistical figure; it represents a strategic consolidation that positions Spain as the fifth largest exporter in the European Union, capturing 9% of the EU total and generating a trade surplus of 4.5 billion euros, 7% higher than the previous year.

Imports, on the other hand, increased by only a modest 2%, balancing the trade balance and leaving ample room for further expansion in emerging markets, without compromising domestic competitiveness.

This report, produced by the EU's Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, underlines the importance of geographical diversification and a commitment to sustainability as unwavering pillars of agri-food export strategies.

This surplus is not the result of chance, but of a combination of structural factors: the premium quality of Spanish products, backed by protected designations of origin, and a network of trade agreements that facilitate access to more than 50 countries.

In terms of international trade in the agri-food sector, Spain has invested in the digitalisation of customs processes and in public-private partnerships, which has reduced transit times by an average of 15%, according to additional data in the report. For SMEs, which account for 70% of exporters, this means an open window to scale operations without incurring prohibitive costs.

Fruits and Vegetables: Boosting the Mediterranean Market Garden in Global Trade

The real protagonist of this boom is the fruit and vegetable export chapter, which had a turnover of €5 billion (up 8% year-on-year) and is equivalent to 42% of total agri-food exports.

This category reflects the sector's adaptability in the face of climatic adversity. Despite intermittent droughts that have affected 20% of the crops in the southeast of Spain, this year has seen an overall record harvest, driven by hybrid varieties resistant to water stress, which has allowed an increase in the volume of exporters.

The main destinations remain European countries. France takes 35% of the pie (€1.75 billion), thanks to its geographical proximity and sustained demand in large-scale distribution, where supermarkets such as Carrefour prioritise suppliers with traceability to comply with EU sustainability regulations. Germany, with 25% (€1.25 billion), favours certified organic varieties, in line with its Green Deal policy that encourages low-carbon imports. In third place is the United Kingdom, which despite post-Brexit frictions, maintains 15% (€750 million), facilitated by flexible customs agreements negotiated in 2024 that avoid tariffs on 90% of fresh produce.

The European report attributes this dynamism to the premium orientation: 12% more volume in certified organic or low environmental impact products, which raises the average price per tonne by 18%.

However, not all is rosy; they warn of growing logistical risks, such as the rising cost of maritime transport (up to 25% per refrigerated container due to the Suez Canal crisis) and the need to invest in smart packaging to reduce shrinkage in transit.

Spanish Wines: Conquering New Horizons with a Sustainable Focus

The Spanish wine sector is not lagging behind in this success.

With €2.5 billion exported (3% growth), Spain reaffirms its position as the world's third largest wine exporter, behind only Italy and France.

Key markets illustrate this expansion:

The United States accounts for 25% (€625 million), driven by the rise of Hispanic gastronomy in cities such as New York and Los Angeles, where Spanish wineries are investing in virtual tastings and collaborations with Michelin-starred chefs.

China, emerging as a power with 20% (€500 million), is responding to local campaigns adapted to Asian tastes (wines with fruity notes and low alcohol for pairing with Cantonese cuisine) by opening doors to e-commerce platforms such as Tmall.

The UK closes the podium with 15% (€375 million), where post-Brexit loyalty is maintained thanks to favourable tariff quotas.

‘Sustainability is the key: low water impact wines conquering Asia and the Middle East,’ explains the European Commission report.

In fact, 40% of wine exports now incorporate practices such as drip irrigation and precision viticulture, reducing water consumption by 30%.

Olive Oil: Resilience and Authenticity in Times of Low Prices

In contrast to the general optimism, olive oil faces headwinds, with a 46% drop in value (€2 billion) attributable to global overproduction (Spain produced 1.4 million tonnes in the 2024/25 season, a record that saturated markets).

However, the volume of exports remains stable, highlighting the resilience of the sector.

Still, the USA dominates with 30% (€600 million), where per capita consumption has risen by 10% thanks to health campaigns promoting its cardiovascular benefits; Italy follows with 20% (€400 million) for its packaging and refining industry; and Japan, as a premium niche, absorbs 10% (€200 million) with demand for extra virgin oils.

‘We don't compete on price, but on authenticity and traceability’.

In fact, 60% of exports are protected designation of origin (PDO), which allows for 25% higher prices in premium markets.