Trends in the pig sector

The head of Prodeca's meat sector, Susanna Barquín, has participated in a seminar within the framework of the Internationalization Week 2019 in which the pig situation in Catalonia was discussed and the opportunities for Catalan companies to consolidate their international presence and enter new markets. Catalonia is a major producer of pork in the European Union (produces more than 27% of the total of the EU) and currently exports to France, Japan and China, while it is considered to increase sales in Asia and Australia, as priority challenges. In 2018, the total sum of exports of this type of meat reached €2,900 million. Meanwhile, in Catalonia its consumption continues to rise and is only surpassed by that of chicken.

Achieve added value

In the context of her speech, Susanna Barquín explained that "one of the most important challenges in the short and medium term is the increase in exports with added value. The complexity of positioning sausages and hams in the international markets is offset by the loyalty of the consumer who bets on them. One of the avenues that are opening up in terms of new products is synthetic meats". In this regard, he added that "we must also work today with a forecast of medium and long-term trends and countries that produce animal protein, like us, should value the incorporation of the production of this type of synthetic meat. It is about reorienting the business to maintain the market shares of animal protein and synthetic protein. Others will do it if we do not get involved".

Emerging markets

There are many opportunities for Catalan companies in the sector and they also involve exploring new emerging alternative markets such as Africa, North America and Latin America and growing exports of sausages and hams. Since 2018, the global market has been affected by African swine fever that entered China in August last year and caused a 13% reduction in the number of pigs and 40% production losses.

Different realities

Japan is one of the biggest consumers of pork and from Europe the meat can only be imported frozen due to the long journeys by sea. In South Korea, exports are also increasing and the country has around fifty Catalan export facilities. As for China, it is a market in which a long-term bet must be made as the potential is enormous. Finally, a trade agreement is pending in Australia that allows the import of pork from Spain.

The weight of the meat industry

The meat industry is the main agri-food sector in Catalonia with a business volume of more than 7,000 M€ in terms of meat, sausages and preparations. A figure that represents the employment of more than 30,000 people, the activity of nearly 650 companies and becomes the 31% of Catalonia's agri-food sector, assumes the 32% of the sector within the framework of the Spanish State and arrives at 5.33% of the total of Catalan industry. Prodeca supports Catalan producers by organizing and coordinating different forums and meeting points for professionals that allow them to open up the market.