The fine food sector

Catalonia offers a variety of gourmet products based on its values: tradition, craftsmanship, regional quality, innovation, and exclusivity.

In parallel, the food sector is undergoing its own transformation, driven by new consumer trends and, inevitably, the emergence of new technologies.

New technologies have also entered the sector in the form of startups seeking to address consumer concerns.

The multi-product or Fine Food sector is one that achieves a distinct market position through the added value it provides. Its differentiation comes from superior quality, an exclusive sales channel, sophisticated and distinctive packaging, and a unique story (origin, people, territory).

Within the Fine Food sector, olive oil stands out as an entity of its own, which is why at Prodeca we address it separately.

Industry

The Fine Food industry constitutes one of the main agrifood sectors in Catalonia with an annual turnover exceeding €10,000M per year, a figure representing more than 44% of the turnover of the food and beverage industry.

Exports

The Fine Food sector is the leading agrifood export sector in both value and volume, highlighting the strength of Catalonia's food processing industry and its export capacity and potential. 

With €5,213.01M in exports, it represents more than 65% of total export value (2024). Meanwhile, the olive oil sector accounts for nearly 6% of Catalan agrifood exports, making it the fourth largest export sector.

This sector has increased its exports year after year: over the last five years, foreign trade sales have grown by nearly 60% in volume and almost 100% in value. The products in highest demand abroad are sweets, cocoa and cocoa preparations, confectionery items, honey, coffee, tea, and infusions, accounting for 25.02% of the sector at over €1,304M; followed by snacks and appetizers, bakery and pastry products, cereal-based products, nuts, rice, and legumes (19.04% and €992M); vegetable juices, waters, beers, beverages, and smoothies (€973M and 18.67%); extracts, essences and concentrates, ingredients, soup preparations (€711M and 13.65%); ready meals, broths, preserves, jams, and marmalades (€505M and 9.70%); cheeses, dairy products, and eggs (€327M and 6.28%).