The Spanish meat industry continues to consolidate its position within the national food economy. According to the latest data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), compiled by Eurocarne magazine, the sector’s turnover reached €42.134 billion in 2024, representing a 35.8% increase compared to 2020.
The segment that has registered the greatest growth has been poultry, whose turnover has increased by 124.4% since the beginning of the decade, reaching €8.458 billion. This growth is mainly due to the increased demand for this type of meat because of its more competitive price.
Meanwhile, companies dedicated to meat processing and preservation reached a turnover of €19.181 billion, with a growth of 21.8%, while the processed meat sector registered an increase of 26%, reaching €14.494 billion.
The INE data also reflects the strategic importance of the meat industry within the Spanish food sector, as it represents 26.2% of the total turnover of the food industry.
Fewer companies, but more jobs and higher turnover
Despite the sector’s economic growth, the number of meat processing companies has decreased by 7.7% since 2020, falling from 3,459 to 3,191 in 2024.
However, employment continues to grow. The Spanish meat industry employed 124,442 people in 2024, 1.2% more than the previous year and 9% more than in 2020.
