Yoghurt market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish market for sweetened and flavoured yoghurt underwent a significant contraction from 2018 to 2022, with total volume falling from 387.9 thousand tons to 228.3 thousand tons. This decline was interrupted in 2023 when the market grew by 9.2% to reach 249.3 thousand tons, indicating a shift in trajectory. Throughout this period, the market operated under the consistent framework of the national yoghurt quality standard (Real Decreto 271/2014), which has defined product composition since 2014.

Evolving consumer preferences became a central market force, with a marked shift towards yoghurts containing less sugar, higher protein, and added probiotics. This trend supported the development of new product segments and innovations. By the end of the period, the expansion of plant-based alternatives made from soy, almond, and coconut, alongside the growing drinking yoghurt segment, began diversifying the traditional market landscape.

Major industry players actively responded to these trends. Chobani launched new fruit-based yoghurts with reduced sugar, while retailer Mercadona expanded its range to include vegan and no-added-sugar options. Strategic moves, such as Lakeview Farms' acquisition of the Noosa Yoghurt brand, highlighted ongoing consolidation and focus within the sector, coinciding with the increasing role of e-commerce in product distribution.

Production yoghurt in Spain

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Spain maintained the fifth position globally in terms of yoghurt production volume.

Top producers of yoghurt, 2017-2020

World map of production of yoghurt, 2017-2020

In 2020, Spain produced 255.9 K t of yoghurt, representing a 5.8% increase from the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 241.8 K t, while the highest was in 2018 at 313.6 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 22.9% drop, and the largest increase was in 2018 with a 22.6% rise.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of yoghurt output in Spain reached 349.2 M $ US, showing a modest 6.7% increase from the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 3%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 327.4 M $ US, while the highest was in 2018 at 443.0 M $ US. The largest decline was in 2019 with a 26.1% decrease, and the largest increase was in 2018 with a 30.7% rise.

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

Exports yoghurt from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

Following a two-year decline, yoghurt exports from Spain increased in 2020, reaching 80.8 K t, up 4.3% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 3.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 77.4 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 6.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the structure of yoghurt exports in kind was dominated by Portugal, which accounted for 86.8% of total flows, with numerous smaller partners making up the remainder.

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 yoghurt exports were valued at 110.3 M $ US, marking a 5.2% increase from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 104.8 M $ US, while the highest was in 2018 at 117.4 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 10.7% drop, and the largest increase was in 2018 with a 5.8% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal was the primary market for Spanish yoghurt exports in value terms, representing 79.7% of the total, with other destinations contributing less significantly.

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

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

Imports yoghurt to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

Yoghurt imports into Spain declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, totaling 115.7 K t, a significant 11.3% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 20.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.5%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 157.4 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 17.1% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018 with a 7.5% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, Germany, and Slovakia were the leading sources for yoghurt imports into Spain in kind, accounting for 40.9%, 23.8%, and 10.0% of imports, respectively. Together, they represented 74.7% of total 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, M $ US

Yoghurt imports into Spain declined for the second year in a row in 2020, amounting to 167.4 M $ US, a slight 0.8% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 13.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 4.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 218.7 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 22.9% drop, and the largest increase was in 2018 with a 13.4% rise.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, France, Germany, and Slovakia were the key partners for yoghurt imports into Spain in value terms, representing 42.7%, 23.8%, and 8.9% of imports, respectively. Combined, they accounted for 75.4% of total flows.

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

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