Spinach market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish spinach market saw initial fluctuations from 2018 to 2020. In 2018, heightened exports to the United Kingdom and the Netherlands channeled more production abroad, influencing domestic availability. After a dip in 2019, the market volume recovered in 2020.

A pronounced expansion unfolded from 2021 to 2022, with the market peaking at 63,420 tons in 2022. This surge was primarily fueled by double-digit growth in the refrigerated salad sector and increased industrial demand for spinach used in frozen, packaged, and fresh-cut products. The activity of established players like Verdimed, which diversified into spinach cultivation years prior, contributed to the market's dynamism.

In 2023, the market volume contracted to 47,394 tons. Concurrently, a sustained consumer shift toward fresh spinach for salads was evident, and producers implemented improved handling techniques to extend shelf life, facilitating distribution across Western European markets.

Production spinach in Spain

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Spain ranked 13th globally in spinach production from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of spinach, 2017-2020

World map of production of spinach, 2017-2020

In 2020, Spain produced 82 880 tonnes of spinach, marking a modest increase of 4.6% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 5.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.7%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 2.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of spinach production in Spain reached 162.1 million US dollars, reflecting a strong year-over-year increase of 15.1%. From 2017 to 2020, production value rose by 16.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.1%. The most significant drop was in 2019, with a decrease of 3.6%.

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

Exports spinach from Spain

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Spain's spinach export volume declined. In 2020, exports totaled 33 772 tonnes, down 9.5% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 14.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.6%. The peak was in 2019 at 37 305 tonnes, while the largest increase of 21.7% occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and France were the leading destinations for Spain's spinach exports by volume. The United Kingdom accounted for 49.1% of exports, the Netherlands for 20.9%, and France for 7.9%, together representing 77.9% 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, K $ US

Following two years of gains, Spain's spinach export value declined. In 2020, exports were valued at 66 036 thousand US dollars, showing only a slight change compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 26.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 66 325 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase of 23.0% took place in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and France formed the primary markets for Spain's spinach exports by value. The United Kingdom held a 49.2% share, the Netherlands 19.7%, and France 8.2%, collectively accounting for 77.0% 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 spinach to Spain

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Spain's spinach import volume decreased. In 2020, imports amounted to 815 tonnes, a decline of 14.7% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 25%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.7%. The peak was in 2019 at 955 tonnes, and the largest increase of 44.5% occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Italy, and the Netherlands were the main sources of spinach imports to Spain by volume. France contributed 24.2% of imports, Italy 20.3%, and the Netherlands 19.3%, together making up 63.8% 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, K $ US

Spain's spinach import value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 1 356 thousand US dollars, a decrease of 1.6% from the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value fell by 5.3%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 1.8%. The highest value was in 2018 at 1 691 thousand US dollars, with the largest drop of 18.5% in 2019 and the largest increase of 18.1% also in 2018.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Portugal, Italy, and France were the core sources of spinach imports to Spain by value. Portugal accounted for 27.5% of imports, Italy for 25.3%, and France for 21.8%, collectively representing 74.6% 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