Spain: 60% of organic product exports are fruits, vegetables and legumes

The study on "Characterization of the Spanish organic production sector in terms of market value," c…

The study on "Characterization of the Spanish organic production sector in terms of market value," carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Magrama), states that, in 2014 (the latest available data), organic exports were worth 724 million Euro; a 7.8% increase compared to 2013 and 23% more than in 2012. Of this, 60% were fruits, vegetables and legumes.

The export structure has remained similar to 2013, although fruits and vegetables have recorded some growth. More than 90% of foreign sales are of products of plant origin.

Shipments to foreign destinations go almost entirely to the European Union (EU), to Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Sweden and the Netherlands, among others. Non-EU countries (the United States, Mexico, China, South Korea and Australia, mainly) only account for a very small share (less than 10% overall), mostly in the form of wine, oil or canned vegetables.

Organic imports
Imports, which have also been increasing in recent years, were worth 365 million Euro in 2014 (+22.5% compared to 2013). The increase in imports in 2014 is relevant, according to the study, not only for its size, but also for the growing popularity of certain ranges of packaged organic products with high added value.

These products "are specifically and preferentially intended for those consumers who are most committed with the health component of organic products" and are sold through specialised channels where such products imported by wholesalers predominate.

Regarding the countries of origin, most imports come from the EU-28 (Germany, France, the Netherlands and Italy) and a small part from the United States, Latin America, India or Indonesia.