Sheep and goat meat market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish sheep and goat meat market grew from $354.5 million in 2018 to $400.8 million in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 shifted consumer preferences towards frozen meat due to its longer shelf life, and accelerated the adoption of online sales with refrigerated delivery, supporting market expansion.

Market growth continued in 2021, reaching $433.6 million, driven by the trend towards convenience with increased availability of ready-to-cook cuts and marinated products. In 2022, however, the market dipped to $420.1 million as inflationary pressures, reflected in a sharp rise in the consumer price index for this meat, reduced household spending power.

The market recovered to $434.1 million in 2023. Between 2020 and 2024, consumption of goat meat increased by 14%, fueled by the popularity of ethnic cuisines and the expansion of online refrigerated delivery, which accounted for 18% of regional sales. Demand for premium cuts and organic products also grew, alongside investments in refrigeration and freezing infrastructure for export markets.

Production sheep and goat meat in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Spain's sheep and goat meat production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 586.4 million US dollars, marking a 7.0% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 32.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of sheep and goat meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of sheep and goat meat, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, sheep and goat meat production in Spain experienced a decline. In 2020, Spain produced 124.1 thousand tonnes, showing a 4.8% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, overall production increased by 10.6%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 3.4%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 130.4 thousand tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 11.2%.

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

Exports sheep and goat meat from Spain

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Spain's exports of sheep and goat meat declined. In 2020, exports totaled 43 170 tonnes, reflecting a moderate year-on-year decrease of 4.1%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 15%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.8%. The highest level was recorded in 2019 at 45 017 tonnes, and the largest annual increase was in 2018 at 11.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the three main markets—France, Italy, and the United Kingdom—collectively accounted for 55.6% of Spain's total sheep and goat meat exports by volume.

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 sheep and goat meat exports have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 223.6 million US dollars, showing a modest 3.4% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 26.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.2%.

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

During 2017–2020, France, Italy, and Portugal formed the primary cluster of markets for Spain's sheep and goat meat exports by value. France accounted for 44.8% of export value, Italy for 11.1%, and Portugal for 4.8%, together representing 60.7% of total export 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 sheep and goat meat to Spain

Imports in kind, t

Spain's imports of sheep and goat meat by volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 5 401 tonnes, which is 31.4% lower than in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 35.9%, with an average annual decline of 13.8%. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 8 444 tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 0.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Greece, and France were the main sources of sheep and goat meat imports to Spain by volume. Italy contributed 22.5% of imports, Greece 16.5%, and France 16.2%, together accounting for 55.1% 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 sheep and goat meat imports by value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 38.0 million US dollars, representing a sharp 27.8% reduction compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 31.1%, with an annualized decline of 11.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 61.4 million US dollars, and the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 11.3%.

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

In the 2017–2020 period, Italy, Greece, and New Zealand played notable but not dominant roles as suppliers of sheep and goat meat to Spain by value. Italy accounted for 23.0% of import value, Greece for 15.9%, and New Zealand for 10.5%, with their combined share reaching 49.4% of total imports.

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

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