Casein market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish casein market expanded from 9 795 tons in 2018 to 11 806 tons in 2023, driven by several key phases. Initially, market volume grew steadily, peaking at 10 932 tons in 2020. A slight contraction to 10 219 tons occurred in 2021, but growth resumed, reaching 11 381 tons in 2022 and 11 806 tons in 2023.

By 2023, the market reached 11 806 tons, supported by rising consumer interest in dietary supplements, functional foods, and clean-label products, which boosted demand for high-quality proteins like casein. This trend was particularly notable among health-conscious consumers and athletes. While global factors such as increased raw material and energy costs affected food prices, the underlying demand for casein remained strong.

In 2024, import volumes rose to 7 340 tons, while exports fell to 1 548 tons, suggesting continued domestic demand. Market conditions were influenced by persistent high energy costs and extreme weather events impacting raw material prices, alongside a shift toward fresh and sustainable foods that affected distribution through self-service stores and supermarkets.

Production casein in Spain

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain ranked as the 13th largest producer of casein globally.

Top producers of casein, 2017-2020

World map of production of casein, 2017-2020

Spain's casein production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 6.0 K t of casein, marking a solid 13.2% rise from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 4.9%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 5.2 K t, with the largest decline of 9.0% also occurring that year.

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

Exports casein from Spain

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Spain's casein export volume was 1 002 t, down 1.9% from the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 022 t, while the largest increase of 73.2% occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom were the primary destinations for Spain's casein exports in kind, together accounting for 84.1% of total flows. Other partners each held significantly smaller shares.

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

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 3.6-fold change between these years. In 2020, casein deliveries from Spain reached 9 068 K $ US, representing a slight decrease of 1.8% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 9 236 K $ US, while the largest increase of 111.9% took place in 2018.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Saudi Arabia remained the main destination for Spain's casein exports in value terms, capturing 72.8% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed across various smaller markets.

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

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

Imports casein to Spain

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Spain imported 5 236 t of casein, indicating a slight decline of 2.8% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 23.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.7%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 5 236 t, with the largest decline of 32.8% also occurring that year. The largest increase of 16.6% was recorded in 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Ireland and France together accounted for 88.0% of Spain's casein imports in kind, with the rest of the flows thinly spread across other markets.

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

Spain's casein import value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 43 193 K $ US, reflecting a 24.8% rise compared to 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 15.2%, which translates to an annualized rate of 5.3%. The lowest import value was recorded in 2018 at 29 019 K $ US, with the largest decline of 43.0% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain's casein imports in value terms were largely oriented towards Ireland and France, whose combined share reached 87.7% of total flows. Other destinations played a secondary role.

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

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