Spain’s poultry meat sector takes flight: record turnover and European consolidation in 2024

Spain’s poultry meat sector closed the 2024 financial year reaffirming its position as one of the strategic pillars of the national agri-food economy. According to data presented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) at the general assembly of the sector’s leading associations (AEPRP, APAVES, AMPE and AVIANZA) held on 17 December 2025 in Madrid, the industry has achieved significant milestones in both business volume and productive capacity.

Record figures: Spain, second-largest European producer

The sector’s turnover during the past year came close to €3.65 billion, supported by a production output of 1.8 million tonnes of meat. These figures not only demonstrate the industry’s resilience, but consolidate Spain’s position as the second-largest producer in the European Union, accounting for 13% of the total Community output and ranking only behind Poland.

Ana Rodríguez, Secretary General for Agricultural Resources and Food Safety, highlighted that the sector is “fundamental to food supply”, noting that fresh meat continues to be the preferred choice in Spanish households.

Health challenges and biosecurity

Despite this growth, the sector is not immune to global threats. During the closing session of the assembly in Madrid, particular emphasis was placed on the fight against avian influenza. The Ministry urged producers to remain vigilant, maintaining constant surveillance and reinforcing protection and biosecurity measures. The efforts made by companies in recent years have been key to ensuring animal health and food safety in a highly demanding regulatory environment.

Export outlook: China and Mercosur in the crosshairs

Export ambition is another of the major strengths of the Spanish poultry sector. MAPA highlighted the new opportunities opening up in international markets thanks to key milestones including:

• Opening of the Chinese market: The signing of an export protocol last spring marks a watershed moment for foreign trade.
• Trade agreements: Close attention is being paid to the impact of agreements such as Mercosur and the management of tariffs with Ukraine, with the aim of protecting the competitiveness of domestic products.

With stable production and a strategy focused on internationalisation and animal health, the Spanish poultry sector faces the future with optimism, firmly established as an economic driver that guarantees both national food sovereignty and a robust presence in global markets.