Odoriferous substances for food and drink market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish market for odoriferous substances used in food and drink expanded substantially in volume from 11.4 thousand tons in 2018 to 29.4 thousand tons in 2024. This growth was interrupted only in 2023, when volume dipped by 10% following the implementation of new national rules on technological aids and ingredient restrictions. The post-COVID recovery in 2021, supported by improved demand from key food industry clients, helped push volume up by 30% that year.

Regulatory updates played a consistent role throughout the period. In 2021, Spanish legislation on food additives and flavors was aligned with EU norms, ensuring safety and traceability. Further EU-wide controls on contaminants in 2022 required industry adaptation, while 2023 saw the introduction of Real Decreto 773/2023, which set safety and documentation requirements for technological aids, temporarily affecting market supply. Innovation also drove growth, with the launch of new natural flavors and rising demand for plant-based alternatives stimulating the need for specialized odoriferous mixtures.

Price increases and sustained demand from the food industry supported a 5% volume rise in 2022, despite slower growth. By 2024, the market rebounded strongly as producers adjusted to the regulatory environment and consumer trends toward functional foods continued to bolster demand.

Production odoriferous substances for food and drink in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Spain, the production value of odoriferous substances for food and drink reached 193.4 million US dollars in 2020, showing a strong increase of 10.4% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 22.4%, which translates to an annualized rate of 7.0%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 0.9%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 11.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Spain's production volume of odoriferous substances for food and drink increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 22,076 tonnes, up by 11.5% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 20.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.3%.

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

Exports odoriferous substances for food and drink from Spain

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Spain's cross-border shipments of odoriferous substances for food and drink totaled 29,899 tonnes, marking a controlled rise of 8.1% compared to 2019. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 27,665 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 9.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain exported odoriferous substances for food and drink to a wide range of markets. Even the largest destinations—France, Poland, and Italy—together accounted for only 43.5% of total exports in volume terms.

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

In 2020, Spain's export value of odoriferous substances for food and drink amounted to 326.0 million US dollars, representing a 2.5% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 2.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 357.9 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 13.0%, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 11.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—France, Italy, and Poland—together made up 54.8% of Spain's total export value for odoriferous substances for food and drink.

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

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

Imports odoriferous substances for food and drink to Spain

Imports in kind, t

Spain's import volume of odoriferous substances for food and drink increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 27,203 tonnes, reflecting a robust advance of 12.2% compared to the previous year. However, from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 14.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.0%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 22,959 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 27.6%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Germany, France, and Ireland were the main sources of odoriferous substances for food and drink imports to Spain, together accounting for 62.7% of total imports in volume terms. Specifically, Germany contributed 26.8%, France 18.0%, and Ireland 17.8%.

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

Spain's import value of odoriferous substances for food and drink declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 492.2 million US dollars, showing a substantial decrease of 10.7% relative to the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 17.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.0%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 596.2 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 0.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ireland was the leading supplier of odoriferous substances for food and drink to Spain, accounting for 72.0% of total imports in value terms, while a diverse group of other countries made up the remainder.

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

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