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The Spanish Canning Industry in 2025: Stabilization and Growth

The Spanish canning industry is experiencing a period of stabilization following two challenging years due to rising raw material costs. While 2024 marked a year of recovery, 2025 is projected to be one of growth and expansion, driven by factors such as cost moderation, a surge in domestic consumption, and increased exports. In this article, we analyze the recent evolution of the sector and its medium-term outlook.

Recovery in 2024

Following a challenging 2023, 2024 saw a partial recovery in the canning industry due to the stabilization of certain costs and demand. Although production levels have not yet returned to their earlier heights, indicators show a positive trend compared to previous years.

Generally, production volume saw a slight decrease of 1%, but market value grew by 2.4%, indicating a gradual recovery of profit margins.

A key driver of this recovery was the moderation of inflation, which curtailed widespread price increases and led more consumers back to canned products. After two consecutive years of declines, domestic consumption increased by 4.3% in volume and 4.6% in value, aided by price stabilization, the introduction of more affordable options, and robust promotional campaigns from both industry and distribution channels.

The Role of Mussels

Improved climatic conditions in the Galician estuaries and advancements in hatchery seed production allowed for an increased supply of this product. Consequently, several canneries that had reduced their mussel production in previous years resumed processing. This factor, along with greater availability of other species, helped stabilize raw material supply, though shortages of certain varieties remain a concern.

Factors of Instability

Despite the recovery, the industry continues to face various instability factors that threaten its long-term sustainability. One of the main challenges is the availability and price of raw materials, particularly fish and seafood, which have been consistently scarce in recent years.

Species like mussels, mackerel, and anchovy have experienced supply fluctuations due to environmental issues such as red tides or overfishing in certain fishing grounds. This situation has heightened the industry’s dependence on imports, exposing it to the volatility of international markets and changes in exporting countries’ trade policies.

Additionally, the energetic crisis and geopolitical tensions have caused fluctuations in fuel prices. Internationally, the commercial protectionism policies of some countries and the European Union’s free trade agreements with markets like Vietnam and Thailand could disrupt the balance of exports.

The U.S. tariff policy tightening, as one of the most important markets for Spanish canned goods, could affect exports and reduce product competitiveness compared to countries like Morocco or Ecuador.

Outlook for 2025

The sector’s future in 2025 will largely depend on the availability of raw materials and the evolution of production and transportation costs, which remain unpredictable factors. Canning companies need to continue seeking strategies to secure raw material supplies through agreements or partnerships.

  • Demand. Domestic demand is expected to continue recovering, albeit at a moderate pace. Price stabilization, coupled with the offering of more accessible products and promotional strategies from distributors, will play a crucial role.
  • Exports. Exports will remain a fundamental pillar for the industry, although their performance will be subject to international trade policies.
  • Innovation. Canneries are increasingly focusing on healthy product lines, such as prepared salads, ready-to-eat meals, and plant-based tuna alternatives. Additionally, differentiation through the introduction of innovative flavors and sauces will be a key strategy to attract new consumers.
  • Sustainability. The pressure to reduce environmental impact will lead to increased use of recyclable materials in packaging and the implementation of more energy-efficient production processes. Access to the European Union’s Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan grants and subsidies will be crucial in this process, allowing many companies to modernize their facilities and enhance competitiveness.
In conclusion, 2025 appears to be a year of consolidation and transformation for the canning industry. Despite uncertainties, the sector has opportunities to strengthen its position through innovation, product diversification, and expansion into international markets. The key to success will lie in companies’ ability to adapt to changes while maintaining a balance between competitiveness and sustainability.

Source: Conservas de Pescado y Marisco, Alimarket