Spain continues to solidify its reputation as a leading force in the foodtech sector, consistently ranking among the top investors year after year. This prominence is underscored by its position as the fourth largest agrifood power in Europe and the tenth globally, with agrifood exports constituting nearly 20% of the nation’s total exports. The country boasts the second-largest arable land area in the European Union, supporting an agricultural production landscape that is both extensive and diverse.
Since 2014, Spain’s foodtech sector has experienced remarkable growth, maintaining a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 20%. This achievement is particularly impressive given the backdrop of global economic challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, rising production costs, and geopolitical tensions stemming from the war in Ukraine. Climate change remains a pressing concern, with Spain facing recurrent adverse weather conditions and droughts that threaten crop yields. Despite these hurdles, the nation is setting new export records, showcasing its resilience and adaptability in the agrifood arena.
To further enhance its competitive edge, Spain is nurturing a world-class agrifood innovation ecosystem. This effort involves fostering a robust business environment that spans the entire agrifood value chain, emphasizing innovation and collaboration among industry players both domestically and internationally. With over 400 agrifood startups, the country has cultivated an impressive network of stakeholders focused on supporting every stage of growth, from incubation to scaling. This includes more than 20 technological parks and research centers, over 50 specialized universities, and more than €1 billion allocated for public investment in accelerator programs and collaborative initiatives.
Attracting international talent is a key component of Spain’s strategy to bolster its agrifood sector. ICEX-Invest in Spain plays a pivotal role in this outreach, providing essential support for foreign founders looking to establish their ventures within the Spanish ecosystem. One of its flagship initiatives, the Rising Up in Spain program, aims to connect international entrepreneurs with the resources and networks necessary for success. The program, now in its seventh edition, is open for applications until the end of the year and has already helped numerous agrifood startups from around the globe flourish.
Among the success stories from the program are Nu Terra Labs, a Canadian startup focused on enhancing crop yield through a sophisticated agritech control system and a wildfire detection solution; Agrusdata, a Brazilian company leveraging IoT and machine learning for data-driven agriculture; and Bluana Foods from Romania, which is creating plant-based alternatives to tuna and salmon. These startups exemplify the diverse innovation taking place within Spain’s agrifood industry, which spans the entire supply chain and addresses global market needs.
Spain’s unique position offers foodtech and agritech startups an opportunity to integrate into a thriving innovation ecosystem while benefiting from the country’s established agricultural expertise and extensive market connections. As the agrifood landscape continues to evolve, programs like Rising Up in Spain are pivotal in shaping the future of the industry, inviting new players to contribute to a sustainable and innovative agrifood value chain.
