Meat and deli meats

Industry

The meat industry is the main agri-food sector in Catalonia, with turnover of €7 Bn. It represents 31% of turnover in the agri-food sector, 40% in employment and 18% 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 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. In 2017 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 51.53% in volume and 48.82% in value of the total meat exported by Spain and 22.56% in volume and 26.23% in value of the European Union. In processed products, the figures are as follows: Catalonia exports 50.98% in volume of Spain and 28.42% of Europe, and 51.62% in value and 34.3%, respectively. 

Indeed, 56% of the meat produced in Catalonia is sold on foreign markets, which, taking into account processed meats, accounts for €3.2 Bn, a coverage rate of more than 860%. Exports of meat and meat products to third countries has increased by 114% in value over the last 5 years, hitting €981 M in 2018. Pork accounts for 72% 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.