Meat and deli meats
Industry
The meat industry is the main agri-food sector in Catalonia, with turnover of €10 Bn. It represents 35% of turnover in the agri-food sector, 36% in employment and 16% in number of companies.
This sector is increasingly focused on vertical integration as a way of ensuring traceability from farm to fork, in line with growing market demands.
Production
Every year Catalonia produces more than two million and half tonnes of meat of all species: pork, beef, mutton, goat, horse, poultry and rabbit.
Catalonia has consolidated its position as one of the most important production centres in Europe. It was the second-largest producer in Europe and the tenth-largest pork producer in the world. It is also the top region of Spain for pig, cattle and poultry farming, and internationalisation is key to marketing its production.
Export
Catalonia is a large exporter of meat. Catalonia exports 43% in volume and value of the total meat exported by Spain and 6% in volume and value of the European Union.
These data support the enormous professionalization of the sector which has managed to achieve very high standards of welfare, animal health, production quality and efficiency, which are praised all over the world.
Indeed, 75% of the meat produced in Catalonia is sold on foreign markets, which, taking into account processed meats, accounts for €5.2 Bn, a coverage rate almost 800%. Exports of meat and meat products to third countries has doubled in value in the last 10 years and has increased by 50% in value over the last 5 years. Pork accounts for 60% of both volume and value of meat exports.
Furthermore, Catalonia has a long tradition of making ham and deli meats, both cured and cooked, with high quality and great variety. Catalonia exports of this products represents over 5% in volume and 10% in value of total exports.
The main markets in which Catalonia exports meat and sausages are China (close to 19% in value), France (14%), Japan (close to 8%), Italy (6%), the Philippines (5%) and South Korea (4%).
NEWS FROM SECTOR MEAT AND DELI MEATS
07.06.26
The abolition of tariffs between the EU and the US, good news for the Catalan agri-food sector
The announcement of the abolition of tariffs between the EU and the US is very good news for Catalan companies that export food and beverages to the US, who see it as a first step to regain lost competitiveness in this key market for the agri-food industry.
07.06.26
Catalonia increases its agri-food exports by 6.62% and exceeds €11,000 M for the first time
In 2020, Catalonia's food sector reached a new export record and exceeded €11,000 M in international sales for the first time. Compared to the data of 2019, they have increased by 6.62% in value and 6.95% in volume, becoming the only economic sector that grows in exports.
07.06.26
The Catalan agri-food sector saves nearly €70M in tariffs due to the Brexit agreement
The last-minute agreement between the United Kingdom and the EU saves the Catalan agri-food sector €69.34 million in tariffs and it is predicted that Catalan food exports to the United Kingdom may increase by around 9% in 2021.