Prepared pasta and couscous market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Spanish prepared pasta and couscous market was shaped by steady consumption growth and the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The health and convenience positioning of pasta, alongside rising demand for gluten-free and alternative-ingredient products, supported market expansion. Pandemic-related shifts in 2020 particularly boosted demand for pasta due to its long shelf life and ease of preparation, aligning with increased interest in fortified and organic options.

The period from 2021 to 2023 saw strategic industry movements and supply-side challenges. Ebro Foods SA entered negotiations to acquire dry pasta, couscous, and semolina businesses, indicating market consolidation. However, a 15% global decrease in wheat availability in 2022 created production bottlenecks and raised costs by 24%, contributing to a drop in domestic output and market volume in 2023. Despite this volume contraction, market value remained stable as consumer preference for premium, healthy products and a 37% rise in e-commerce since 2022 supported value retention through higher-priced segments and online channels.

In 2024, the market volume recovered, driven by growing demand for ready-to-cook meals and increasing export activity. The expansion of foodservice channels, fueled by takeaway and home delivery trends, alongside sustained innovation in gluten-free, vegan, and sustainable packaging, contributed to growth. Major players continued launching new products, such as Barilla's bronze-die cut pasta, catering to evolving consumer preferences for versatile and health-oriented options.

Production prepared pasta and couscous in Spain

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

Exports prepared pasta and couscous from Spain

Exports in kind, t

Spain's exports of prepared pasta and couscous have grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 20 909 tonnes, representing a 6.3% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 30.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.2%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 15 839 tonnes. That same year saw the smallest decline of 1.3%, while 2019 experienced the largest increase of 24.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal, Sweden, and France were the primary destinations for Spain's prepared pasta and couscous exports by volume. Portugal accounted for 61.4% of exports, while Sweden and France each represented 8.5%. Together, these three countries made up 78.4% of Spain's total export flows during this period.

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 prepared pasta and couscous exports have increased in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value reached 73.8 million US dollars, showing a 7.9% rise over the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 48%, with an average annual growth rate of 14.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal, Sweden, and France were the largest buyers of Spanish prepared pasta and couscous by value. Portugal accounted for 66.2% of export value, Sweden for 7.1%, and France for 6.6%. Collectively, these three markets represented 79.9% of Spain's total export value during this period.

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

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

Imports prepared pasta and couscous to Spain

Imports in kind, t

Spain's imports of prepared pasta and couscous declined significantly in 2020, falling by 12.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 5.1%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 1.7%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 51 169 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 11.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, France, and Belgium were the key sources for Spain's prepared pasta and couscous imports by volume. Italy accounted for 41.7% of imports, France for 14.2%, and Belgium for 7.2%. Together, these three partners represented 63.2% of Spain's total import flows during this period.

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 imports of prepared pasta and couscous have declined in value for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import value stood at 127.6 million US dollars, marking a 6.1% decrease compared to the previous year. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 140.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 8.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, France, and Poland were the main sources for Spain's prepared pasta and couscous imports by value. Italy accounted for 47.2% of import value, France for 12.1%, and Poland for 8.2%. Collectively, these three markets represented 67.5% of Spain's total import value during this period.

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

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