Kiwifruit market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the Spanish kiwifruit market saw its volume fluctuate, starting at 185.6 thousand tons and finishing at 144.1 thousand tons, with a notable dip in 2019. In contrast, the market's value rose from $232.5 million to $319.3 million, indicating higher prices and changing demand. The initial volume contraction coincided with growing domestic output from expanded cultivation areas and heightened competition with imported fruit. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 impacted tourism-related demand, yet the fruit remained popular among European consumers.

Market recovery in 2021 was bolstered by the commercial launch of Zespri's innovative RubyRed kiwifruit variety, which stimulated consumer interest. The following year, the European Commission's approval of specific health claims regarding kiwifruit's benefits for intestinal function further supported demand. A sharp 40% decline in Spanish production in 2023, caused by abnormally high temperatures affecting flowering, combined with reduced harvests in New Zealand and Chile, led to significant global shortages and drove prices to elevated levels, resulting in strong value growth despite only a modest volume increase.

The sector's development was marked by the increasing prominence of major domestic producers like Kiwi Atlántico, which expanded its turnover and secured multiple quality certifications. This professionalization, alongside a focus on product differentiation through quality and optimal ripening, helped the Spanish market navigate supply challenges and maintain consumer appeal throughout the period.

Production kiwifruit in Spain

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain ranked as the 12th largest producer of kiwifruit in the world.

Top producers of kiwifruit, 2017-2020

World map of production of kiwifruit, 2017-2020

Kiwifruit production in Spain grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 27 400 tonnes, marking an 11.8% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 27.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Spain's kiwifruit production value increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 52 921 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp 43.9% gain from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 44.9%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 13.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 35 145 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 3.8%.

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

Exports kiwifruit from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

Exported kiwifruit volumes from Spain rose for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 28.1 thousand tonnes, a sharp 27.2% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 63.9%, with an annualized rate of 17.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal, Morocco, and France were the key destinations for Spain's kiwifruit exports by volume. Portugal accounted for 29.0% of exports, Morocco for 27.9%, and France for 13.7%, together making up 70.6% 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, M $ US

Exported kiwifruit values from Spain increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totalled 54.3 million US dollars, representing a steep 63.8% uptick compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export values rose by 86%, equating to an annualized rate of 23.0%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Portugal, Italy, and France were the main partners for Spain's kiwifruit exports by value. Portugal contributed 32.4% of export value, Italy 20.3%, and France 18.1%, together accounting for 70.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports kiwifruit to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year decrease, Spain's kiwifruit imports increased. In 2020, the country imported 135.9 thousand tonnes, a slight 1.6% rise year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 36.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -14.2%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 135.9 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 25.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, New Zealand, and Italy were the primary sources for Spain's kiwifruit imports by volume. Belgium supplied 29.3% of imports, New Zealand 28.8%, and Italy 14.0%, jointly representing 72.1% 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, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, Spain's kiwifruit imports from abroad increased. In 2020, imports were recorded at 267.2 million US dollars, a significant 24.6% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import values grew by 7.2%, with an annualized rate of 2.3%. The minimum value was in 2019 at 214.5 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 8.9%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, three main markets—New Zealand, Italy, and Belgium—together absorbed 73.5% of Spain's total kiwifruit import value.

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

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