Pasta and couscous market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the pasta and couscous market in Spain evolved under the influence of shifting consumer preferences. New eating habits, including demand for quick and nutritious meals, along with the introduction of ethnic and gourmet pasta varieties, broadened the product range and stimulated demand. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 intensified this trend as consumers stocked up on long‑shelf‑life staples and basic food items. In 2021, corporate activity such as Ebro Foods SA’s negotiations for acquisitions signaled important sector movements, while the growth of online channels and food‑delivery services improved distribution and sales.

Health awareness among Spanish consumers continued to support the market in 2022, with rising demand for pasta as a healthy carbohydrate and for products with natural ingredients, helping lift market volume to 407.6 thousand tons. In 2023, after a period of raw‑material price volatility, consumption stabilized and consumers increasingly opted for basic, value‑for‑money ranges due to the economic context, driving a notable expansion of the market to 513.1 thousand tons. However, in 2024 market volume retreated to 406.4 thousand tons, reflecting a correction following the previous year’s peak.

Production pasta and couscous in Spain

According to Faostat, there is no production of pasta and couscous in Spain.

Exports pasta and couscous from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

Spain's exports of pasta and couscous have grown for the third year in a row. In 2019, the export volume was 144.5 K t, rising to 155.6 K t in 2020—a controlled increase of 7.6% year-on-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports expanded by 29%, averaging an annual growth rate of 8.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, Portugal, and the Netherlands were the primary markets for Spain's pasta and couscous exports by volume. France accounted for 65.2% of exports, Portugal for 13.1%, and the Netherlands for 4.7%. Together, these three countries represented 82.9% 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

Spain's pasta and couscous exports have increased in value for the third consecutive year. In 2019, exports totaled 161.0 M $ US, climbing to 180.6 M $ US in 2020—a rise of 12.2% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, export value grew by 35.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Portugal, and the Netherlands consistently led as the top destinations for Spain's pasta and couscous exports by value. France held a 42.4% share, Portugal 31.9%, and the Netherlands 3.4%. Combined, these markets made up 77.7% of total export value.

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

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

Imports pasta and couscous to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Spain's pasta and couscous imports by volume declined. In 2019, imports peaked at 107.5 K t, then fell to 103.4 K t in 2020—a moderate decrease of 3.8% year-on-year. The largest annual increase occurred in 2019, at 13.2%. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 15.7%, averaging 5.0% annual growth.

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

During 2017–2020, Italy, France, and Portugal were the main sources of pasta and couscous imports to Spain by volume. Italy contributed 57.3% of imports, France 9.0%, and Portugal 6.2%. Together, these three countries accounted for 72.5% of total import volume.

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 pasta and couscous imports have grown in value for the third year in a row. In 2019, imports were valued at 225.7 M $ US, increasing to 230.4 M $ US in 2020—up by 2.1% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, import value expanded by 17.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, France, and Poland consistently topped the list of suppliers for Spain's pasta and couscous imports by value. Italy represented 57.9% of imports, France 9.8%, and Poland 5.0%. Collectively, these three countries made up 72.7% of total 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