The oyster market - Spain

Since 2020, the oyster market has exhibited various trends globally and within Spain. The global oyster production market was valued at approximately $1.7 billion in 2021, with an expected annual growth of +5.5% leading up to 2030. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, which affected sales due to restaurant closures, the Spanish market saw a significant rebound in 2021 with a +40% increase in sales value after a -27% drop between 2019 and 2020. The Spanish market itself grew by +186% from 2008 to 2022. Domestic production in Spain also reflected this growth, with 10.8 million kilos sold in 2022, a price index of €4.8/kilo indicating an increase of +151% since 2005. International trade reveals France as both the top importer of Spanish oysters and the leading exporter to Spain, highlighting the interconnectedness of European oyster markets. In terms of types, the Japanese oyster (Crassostrea gigas) led in Spanish production with 494 tons, while the flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) followed with 268 tons in 2020. Despite a decline in overall aquaculture employment, the sector remains significantly male-dominated, and regulations continue to guide cultivation practices and designated areas (e.g., Puerto de Sagunto and Santa Pola). Key players in the market range from local producers such as Ostras de Valencia, with €1 million in sales, to renowned French houses and dining establishments, including Maison Gillardeau and the Mercado San Miguel in Madrid, which had revenues of €4.3 million in 2018..**Trends in Spain's Oysters Market: A Surge in Demand and Culinary Preference Shift** Spain's oyster market has experienced significant growth in recent years, with the value of oyster sales seeing a notable increase. The market's buoyancy is underpinned by a surge in demand, particularly for the Edulis or flat oysters from the Atlantic, Galician oysters, and Belons from Brittany. This growth trajectory is illustrated by a remarkable 145% increase in sales value between 2008 and 2021, indicating a strong and expanding market for these aquatic delicacies. Despite the fluctuations resulting from factors like harvest variations and changes in consumer behavior during crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the Spanish market for oysters has shown resilience and recovery. An interesting observation is that consumption plummeted by 27% between 2019 and 2020 due to pandemic restrictions but rebounded with a 40% increase the following year. From an international perspective, Spain is not just a consumer but also an active player in the oyster trade. The country exports a significant volume, with France being the leading importer of Spanish oysters, bringing in more than 40% of the total export value which is in the region of 35 to 40 million euros. In stark contrast, however, imports into Spain are substantially less, with France again being the primary origin of these imports. The domestic scene is characterized by an impressive doubling in the volume of oysters sold from 2008 to 2022, reaching totals in the tens of millions of kilos. This increase reflects not just higher quantities sold but also a substantial rise in the unit price of oysters, which saw a climb of over 150% from 2005 to 2022. In terms of consumption patterns, Spaniards show a clear preference for oysters during certain times of the year. December is a pinnacle month where half of the world's oyster consumption is recorded, influenced heavily by festive celebrations and optimal harvesting conditions. As far as consumer venues are concerned, the traditional marisquerías remain popular, but there's been a diversification towards more modern settings such as oyster bars, which have seen a rise in popularity in urban centers like Barcelona. This cultural shift suggests an evolving palate among Spanish consumers in tandem with global gastronomic trends. Aquaculture serves as a significant sector of employment in Spain, with thousands of annual work units reported. Although the sector faced employment challenges, including a decline in the total workforce and a gender gap in.### Key Players in the Spanish Oyster Market Spain's oyster market is as diverse as it is robust, featuring a range of players from local producers to international giants and upscale dining venues to innovative oyster bars. Each entity brings its unique flavor to the industry, catering to the various preferences and consumption habits of oyster aficionados across Spain and beyond. **Ostras de Valencia** is one such local producer, nestled within the bountiful waters of Valencia, which has made its mark by specializing in the cultivation and sale of premium oysters. They have effectively tapped into the local market, bringing the freshness of the sea straight to Spanish tables. On a grander scale, France's **Maison Gillardeau** and **Maison Daniel Sorlut** represent the touch of international expertise and prestige. These French powerhouses have a longstanding tradition of oyster farming, known for their meticulously bred oysters which are a fixture in the fine dining space. Back in Valencia, **Civera** stands as a bastion of seafood excellence in the restaurant scene. Their status as a top-tier "Marisquería" attracts seafood lovers seeking the quintessential Spanish experience of enjoying fresh oysters in a traditional setting. **Ostras Pedrin**, with establishments in Valencia and Madrid, caters to the chic and modern, offering a more casual yet sophisticated oyster bar ambiance. These venues combine the allure of a tasting experience with the accessibility of a local favorite spot. Barcelona's **Fishhh to go** represents a melding of inspiration, borrowing from the concept of the American oyster bar to serve up fresh shellfish delights in a grab-and-go format, illustrating the market's adaptability to changing consumer lifestyles. Also in Barcelona, **Gouthier** is recognized as an early innovator in the oyster bar scene, having established itself back in 2005. Their enduring presence attests to the Spanish market's appreciation for venues dedicated to oyster indulgence. The brand **Amélie Oysters** has made a name for itself not only for its fine oysters but for sensationalizing the oyster experience with their "Amélie Experience" showcases, displaying an array of flavors that draw in those looking to venture beyond the traditional. Finally, Madrid's **Mercado San Miguel** offers more than just a marketplace—it's a hub for gourmands seeking variety, including those pristine oysters that have become synonymous with luxury and celebration in the culinary world. These key players, each with their unique positioning and approach

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• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 10/02/2023

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Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Changes in the size of the oyster market
• Oyster sales by value
• Share of total revenues from oyster sales by country
• Destination of oyster exports by country
• Origin of oyster imports by country
• Evolution of the balance of trade on the oyster market
• Volume of oysters sold in millions of kilos
• Oyster price trends
• Variation in bivalve consumption due to Covid-19
• How to eat seafood
• Fish and seafood consumption
• Price variations in the run-up to the festive season
• Number of aquaculture establishments
• Breakdown of aquaculture employment by occupational category
• Breakdown of jobs by gender
• Breakdown by value of aquatic products consumed by households
• Breakdown by volume of aquatic products consumed by households
• Breakdown of seafood purchases by distribution channel

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