Alfalfa meal and pellets market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market size for alfalfa meal and pellets in Spain increased from USD 31.5 million to USD 39.8 million in 2019, then stabilized at USD 39.0 million in 2020. A temporary ban on exports of cereals and fodder, including alfalfa, due to the spread of a virus, affected supply and demand in the animal feed market during 2020.

The market expanded sharply between 2021 and 2022, reaching USD 75.4 million. This growth was driven by strong international demand, which boosted exports and encouraged production investments. Spain solidified its position as a leading global exporter, supported by increased dehydration capacity and the adoption of pivot irrigation, helping to sustain output despite fluctuating water availability that impacted yields.

In 2023, the market contracted to USD 44.0 million as international demand for dehydrated alfalfa dropped significantly. A partial recovery began in 2024, with the market size rising to USD 45.8 million. This was supported by growing demand from Saudi Arabia and the UAE for alfalfa pellets, alongside the European Commission's 2024 protein strategy, which emphasized local alternatives to imported soybean meal and favored alfalfa pellet demand.

Production alfalfa meal and pellets in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Spain's alfalfa meal and pellets production was valued at 109.8 million US dollars, showing a significant increase of 17.9% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 37.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 11.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 13.4%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 34.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Spain produced 458.0 thousand tons of alfalfa meal and pellets, marking a gradual rise of 3.5% from the year before. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 3.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%. The lowest production level was in 2019, at 442.7 thousand tons, while the highest was in 2018, at 552.5 thousand tons. The largest decline was in 2019, with a decrease of 19.9%, and the largest increase was in 2018, at 24.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports alfalfa meal and pellets from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Spain's exports of alfalfa meal and pellets reached 321.1 thousand tons, representing a sharp increase of 39.1% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 23%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.2%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019, at 230.9 thousand tons, and the largest decline occurred that same year, with a drop of 17.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Spain in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain's exports of alfalfa meal and pellets were distributed across numerous markets. France accounted for 16.4% of exports in kind, Saudi Arabia for 10.6%, and the United Arab Emirates for 9.3%, with these three countries together making up only 36.3% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Spain in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Spain exported alfalfa meal and pellets worth 71,569 thousand US dollars, marking an abrupt gain of 33.4% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 33.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 10.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018, at 76,507 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 29.9%, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 42.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Spain in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, France, China, and the United Arab Emirates were the largest buyers of alfalfa meal and pellets from Spain in value terms, accounting for 15.6%, 10.7%, and 10.1% of exports, respectively. However, their combined contribution was limited to 36.4% of total export value, reflecting a diversified country structure.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Spain in value, 2017-2020

Imports alfalfa meal and pellets to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

Market behavior showed volatility during these years. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019, at 0.6 thousand tons, while the highest was in 2020, at 2.8 thousand tons, representing a peak-to-trough ratio of 4.9 times. In 2020, imports surged by 388.1% year-over-year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 49.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Spain in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Throughout 2017 to 2020, France, Italy, and Portugal were the key sources for Spain's imports of alfalfa meal and pellets in kind, accounting for 51.7%, 26.1%, and 12.9% of imports, respectively. Together, they made up 90.7% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Spain in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Market performance exhibited noticeable fluctuations during this period. The lowest import value was in 2019, at 256 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2020, at 803 thousand US dollars, with a difference of 3.1 times between these years. In 2020, imports increased abruptly by 213.4% year-over-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018, with a drop of 44.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Spain in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, France, and Italy were the main markets for Spain's imports of alfalfa meal and pellets in value terms, accounting for 34.8%, 31.6%, and 23.9% of imports, respectively. Together, they represented 90.3% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Spain in value, 2017-2020