Data on the evolution of the fruit and vegetable market in Spain

Spain is the backbone and muscle of horticultural production in the European Union, with one in four fruits and vegetables purchased by EU citizens bearing the Spanish seal. Thanks to a production model that stands out for growing safe, high-quality products using more sustainable and technologically advanced methods, our country ranks among the top 10 producers worldwide.

According to data provided by the Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA), 26.17 million tonnes were grown in 2024, 5.5% more than the previous year. Of the total, 56% was vegetables and the remaining 44% was fruit. It is worth highlighting the positive evolution of vegetables, with a 10% increase in production compared to the previous year, which was marked by climatic problems. Tomatoes, the main fruit grown in our country, increased their volume by 15% last year, the same percentage as onions.

The evolution of fruit production was somewhat more moderate (+2%), although there were notable figures for melons, oranges, some stone fruits, such as apricots and cherries, and tropical fruits, which ranged between 9% and 43% in the case of apricots.

Which products are classified as vegetables and fruit?

Spanish fruit and vegetable production not only excels in terms of volume and quality, but also in the diversity of its offering, thanks to Spain's geography and climate, which allow a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to be grown throughout the country. In terms of vegetables, tomatoes stand out, with a wide range of varieties, as well as peppers, onions and lettuce, most of which are irrigated and grown outdoors (only 20% of the land used for vegetable cultivation is protected). In addition to these, which account for 65% of total production, around thirty other vegetables are grown in Spain.

Citrus fruits lead the way in fruit production in our country, with almost 300,000 hectares and a volume of close to 6 million tonnes in 2024. In addition to the quantity of fruit harvested, they stand out for their high quality, something that is recognised by European markets, as Spain is the leading supplier to the EU.

Spanish fields also offer stone fruit (peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots and cherries), pome fruit (apples, pears and grapes), watermelon and melon, bananas, berries and tropical fruits (avocado, mango, papaya, cherimoya, pitaya, etc.), as well as other fruits that already contribute significantly to the sector: kiwi, persimmon, etc.

Development of the horticulture sector

Although Spain has land and a climate suitable for fruit and vegetable production, the sector has been evolving towards more advanced agriculture, with a focus on sustainability and the regeneration of the environment. This, together with the quality of our products, has made Spain a trusted supplier among both domestic and international customers.

Such is its importance that the sector is expected to contribute 3% of our country's GDP, generating €24.764 billion in 2024, 2.6% below the figure obtained in the previous year, but 24% above that recorded in 2020. Over the last four years, we have seen significant professionalisation and investment in digitalisation and new technologies in order to become more efficient and offer competitive prices in the face of continuously rising production costs and the adverse weather conditions of recent years (drought and lack of water resources).

Another trend in the sector is the concentration of operators to gain size, add more crop area or diversify their offer with new products. This is being achieved through strategic alliances, acquisitions and the emergence of investment funds, which have seen an opportunity in such an essential sector.

Latest market data

According to data provided by the consulting firm NIQ, the fruit and vegetable market in Spain would have had a turnover of €15.2 billion in the TAM for March 2025, representing an 8% increase compared to the previous period. This increase would be mainly due to a rise in demand (+4.4%). Fruit sales would account for 55%, which improved by 10%.

In terms of household consumption, there has been a downward trend in recent years, despite the constant increase in Spain's population. Although domestic consumption would have remained stable in 2024, there has been a 20% decline over the last decade, with the exception of the pandemic years. Some experts point to price increases as one of the factors influencing this decline. Consumers are being more cautious in controlling their shopping basket expenditure, visiting the shop more often but buying less on average.

However, despite the rise in prices, the top three most consumed fruits in our country continue to be bananas, oranges and apples, while the most popular vegetables are potatoes, tomatoes, onions, peppers and lettuce, in that order. When it comes to shopping, supermarkets are the most popular type of store, and it is in this sector that some distribution chains are undergoing continuous transformation.

 Comparison between years

Fruit and vegetable sector figures (thousands of tonnes)

Spanish fruit and vegetable sector figures (millions of euros)

Most exported fruit and vegetables

Spanish fruit and vegetable exports ended 2024 with a new record volume of 12.3 million tonnes, representing year-on-year growth of 8% and revenues of €17.703 billion (+5%). Fruit accounted for 54% of the total, with a 7% increase in volume and an 8% increase in value. Although citrus fruits continue to be the most in demand abroad, accounting for 29% of the total, watermelon is the third most exported fruit, after oranges and mandarins, followed by melons and nectarines.

It is worth noting the positive performance of stone fruits, thanks to an increase in purchases of fruits such as nectarines and flat peaches, which rose by over 10%. In 2024, the figures for red fruits (+6%) also stand out.

Exports of fresh vegetables grew by 10%, with peppers, cucumbers and lettuce being the main products. Tomatoes ranked fourth with an increase of 18% due to an exceptional year in terms of production. However, this fruit has been severely affected by the strong growth of Moroccan supply in European markets. In 2023, Morocco ranked third as a supplier of tomatoes to Europe, just 11,577 tonnes behind Spain.

By destination, Europe remains the leading destination, accounting for 97% of Spain's total exports, with the EU and the United Kingdom standing out.