Organic food consumption in Spain continues to grow in 2024

• Nutrition

Interest in a healthier and more sustainable diet continues to strengthen in Spain, driven by growing awareness of the environmental impact of our food choices and the desire to improve quality of life through more responsible habits. This is confirmed by the latest annual report published by Ecovalia, the Spanish professional association for organic production, which reveals significant data on the sector’s evolution in 2024.

An expanding market: average spending grows by 10%

During 2024, average per-capita spending on organic products in Spain reached €66, representing a 10% increase compared to the previous year. This sustained growth reflects a clear trend toward more conscious eating, both in terms of health and environmental impact. Overall, organic food consumption exceeded €3.143 billion, positioning the organic market as one of the segments with the greatest potential within the agri-food sector.

This growth is not only driven by changing consumer values, but also by greater availability and visibility of these products across distribution channels. Organic options are increasingly common in supermarkets, hypermarkets and online platforms, making them easier to incorporate into everyday diets.

Regional inequality: contrasts between autonomous communities

Despite overall progress, organic product consumption shows notable regional differences. Some autonomous communities stand out for their strong commitment to sustainable food, while others remain at an early stage of development.

• The Basque Country leads the national ranking, with average spending of €99 per person.

• It is followed by Catalonia, with €89 per person.

• At the opposite end, the Canary Islands record the lowest spending, with just €33 per capita.

These figures reflect disparities in supply, public awareness, purchasing power and institutional support for the organic sector across regions.

Spain: a production powerhouse with room to grow in consumption

One of the most striking paradoxes of Spain’s organic market is the gap between production capacity and domestic consumption. Spain remains the European leader in organic farming area, with 3.16 million hectares in 2024. However, in terms of internal consumption, the country ranks ninth in Europe.

This gap highlights a strategic opportunity to strengthen the domestic market, reduce dependence on exports and enable more citizens to access sustainably produced national food. Policies supporting local organic consumption could significantly boost rural economies and support the transition to a more resilient agri-food model.

New shopping habits: growing presence in large retailers

Another key factor driving sector growth is the transformation of distribution channels. Traditionally linked to specialist shops and local markets, organic products are now increasingly purchased in large retail chains.

This trend reflects greater accessibility and normalization of organic consumption, breaking away from an elitist perception and bringing it closer to the general public. Retailers are expanding sustainable product ranges and promoting certified organic brands.

Benefits of organic food: health and sustainability

The rise in organic consumption is no coincidence. Organic products offer several benefits that are increasingly attractive to consumers:

• They are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, reducing pollution and protecting biodiversity.

• They contain no genetically modified organisms (GMOs), providing transparency and food safety.

• They support animal welfare, through extensive farming practices without antibiotics or growth hormones.

• They promote healthier diets, prioritizing seasonal, fresh and local products.

These benefits support not only individual health, but also a more responsible consumption model that respects planetary boundaries and supports small producers.

Challenges and outlook: towards a fair food transition

Despite positive growth, organic food consumption still represents a very small share of total food spending in Spain, highlighting the need for public policies to accelerate this transition.

Key measures include:

• Introducing organic products in schools and hospitals.

• Promoting awareness campaigns on environmental and nutritional benefits.

• Supporting local producers through incentives and simplified regulation.

• Improving labeling transparency to support informed choices.

Spain has a solid foundation to lead the shift toward sustainable food systems, but further progress is needed for organic consumption to become mainstream.