Organic food consumption in Spain continues to grow, with an increase of 17%, according to the Annual Report on Organic Production in Spain by Ecovalia. In 2020, per capita spending reached €53.41, 6.10% higher than the previous year.

The analysis reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has boosted the growth of organic products, with sales increasing by 35% in the first half of 2020. Likewise, 68% of organic consumers purchase these products because they are healthy and help prevent diseases.

In recent years, Spain has secured a place on the podium of countries with the largest area of organic cultivation, ranking third with 2.3 million hectares, only surpassed by Australia and Argentina. Similarly, the Ecovalia report highlights that Spain is the seventh fastest-growing country worldwide in organic farmland. Within Europe, Spain ranks first, followed by France and Italy.

The positive momentum of organic production results from significant advances achieved through the dedication and effort of all sector stakeholders, demonstrating once again that organic production is productive, profitable, environmentally necessary, and a health solution.

Regarding consumer preferences, the most consumed organic plant-based products in Spain were fresh fruits, representing 15.5% of the organic shopping basket; followed by fresh vegetables at 13.9%. Next were bread, cookies, and pastries, which together accounted for 6.6% of organic purchases; and oil and wine (4.4% and 2.2%, respectively).

As for organic animal-based products, the most consumed were meats and meat derivatives, with 15% of the organic basket, milk and dairy products (7.5%), fish, seafood and their preserves (4.2%), eggs (2.2%), and honey and derivatives (1.2%).