The pasta market - Spain (2024)

1.2 The global market

Between **** and ****, the global pasta market is set to experience sustained growth. In ****, it was estimated at $**.** billion, and should reach $***.** billion in ****, a significant increase driven by a compound annual growth rate (***) of *.**%. This continued growth illustrates the expansion in demand for pasta worldwide, influenced by factors such as new eating habits, demand for more diversified products and increased consumption in emerging markets.

Global pasta market trends World, ****-****, $ billion Source: ****

In ****, global pasta production was concentrated mainly in Europe, with the European Union accounting for **.*% of total production, followed by the rest of Europe at **.*%. Central and Latin America also made a significant contribution with **.*%, and North America produced **.*% of the world's pasta. Africa, with a **.*% share, and the Middle East, at *.*%, also contributed to production. Asia and Australia showed a more modest presence, accounting for *.*% and *.*% of world production respectively. These figures illustrate a diversified production base, though largely dominated by European countries.

Worldwide distribution of pasta production World, ****, % (***) Source: ****

In ****, Italy emerged as the world's largest pasta consumer, with per capita consumption reaching **.* kg per year. It is followed by Tunisia, where average per capita consumption was ** kg. Venezuela comes third with **.* kg per person, followed by ...

1.3 The domestic market

Between **** and ****, the Spanish pasta market experienced significant growth in both production and distribution. In ****, pasta production sales amounted to ***.** million euros, before declining slightly in **** to ***.** million euros (***), representing a marked increase in pasta production in Spain. On the distribution side, the data show steady progress since ****, with sales of ***.** million euros that year. This figure climbed to ***.** million euros in **** (***), following the same growth trend as production. Thus, between **** and ****, the Spanish pasta market showed a solid development dynamic, marked by notable increases in both production and distribution, with a substantial rise in ****, linked to increased demand.

The Spanish pasta market Spain, ****-****, € million Source: ****

1.4 Imports and exports

Between **** and ****, the Spanish pasta trade balance showed a continuous deterioration due to the faster increase in imports compared to exports.

In ****, exports amounted to $***.** million, while imports reached $***.** million, resulting in a trade deficit of -$***.** million. In ****, exports rose by +**.*% to $***.** million, while imports edged up by +*.*% to $***.** million. This widened the trade deficit to -***.** million dollars, a deterioration of +**.*% on the previous year. In ****, exports continued to grow by +*.*% to $***.** million, while imports rose by +**.*% to $***.** million. This imbalance pushed the trade deficit to -***.** million dollars, an increase of +*.*%. In ****, export growth accelerated sharply, rising by +**.*% to $***.** million. However, imports also surged by +**.*% to $***.** million. The deficit therefore continued to widen, reaching -***.** million dollars, up +**.*% on the previous year. Finally, in ****, exports continued to grow, increasing by +*% to $***.** million, while imports rose by +**.*% to $***.** million. This imbalance led to a trade deficit of -***.** million dollars, a further deterioration of +*%. This analysis shows that, despite steady growth in Spanish pasta exports, the increase in imports was more marked, amplifying the trade deficit every year between **** and ****.

Spanish foreign trade in pasta Spain and the World, ****-****, $ million Source: ****

Exports:

In ****, the main destinations for Spanish ...

1.5 European market overview

In ****, pasta consumption in Europe showed significant variations between countries. Italy leads the way with a remarkable ** kg per capita, confirming its status as the leading pasta consumer on the continent and, indeed, worldwide. Greece follows with **.* kg per capita, reflecting a strong cultural preference for pasta. France and Germany show moderate levels of consumption, with * kg and *.* kg per capita respectively. Portugal consumes slightly less, at *.* kg per capita, while Spain has the lowest consumption of the group, at just *.** kg per capita.

European comparison of pasta consumption Europe, ****, kg/head Source: ****

In ****, Italy held a dominant position in the European pasta market. It accounted for **% of total pasta production in Europe, reflecting its leading role in the industry. Italy was also a major export player, contributing **% of the European Union's pasta exports. These figures confirmed Italy's importance not only as a producer, but also as the main supplier of pasta to the rest of Europe.

Italy and the European pasta market Europe, ****, % of total Source: ****

In ****, Germany and France stood out as the largest pasta importers in Europe. Germany accounted for **% of European imports, while France contributed **%. The remainder was divided between other European countries, which together accounted for ...

2.1 Home consumption of pasta

Between **** and ****, domestic pasta consumption in Spain changed significantly in value terms:

In ****, consumption rose by +**.**%, from ***.** million euros to ***.** million euros. In ****, a slight decrease of -*.**% was observed, with consumption at ***.** million euros. In ****, consumption picked up with an increase of +**.**%, reaching ***.** million euros. In ****, consumption continued to grow, with an increase of +*.**%, reaching ***.** million euros. These trends show an overall upward trend over the period, despite a slight decrease in ****, due to the post-pandemic adjustment.

Domestic pasta consumption in value terms Spain, ****-****, € million Source: ****

Between **** and ****, domestic pasta consumption by volume in Spain showed moderate variations. In ****, due to the COVID-** pandemic, consumption rose by +*.**%, from ***,*** tonnes to ***,*** tonnes, reflecting an increase in purchases of basic necessities. However, in ****, a decline of -*.**% was observed, with consumption at ***,*** tonnes, followed by a further slight decrease in **** to ***,*** tonnes(***). In ****, consumption picked up slightly, rising by +*.**% to ***,*** tonnes. These fluctuations reflect a gradual return to normal after the impact of the pandemic, while maintaining a relatively stable level of consumption. Pasta consumption volume trends Spain, ****-****, million kg Source: ****

Between **** and ****, per capita consumption and expenditure of pasta in Spain have also changed significantly. In terms of per ...

2.2 Extra-domestic consumption of pasta

Between **** and ****, extra-domestic consumption of pasta in Spain varied considerably. In ****, it stood at *.** million kilos, but fell by -**.*% in **** to *.** million kilos, due to restrictions imposed by the COVID-** pandemic, which limited outdoor dining. In ****, consumption rebounded with an increase of +**.*%, reaching *.** million kilos and marking a gradual return to normal. This upward trend continued in **** with an increase of +**.*%, reaching *.** million kilos, then stabilized in **** with a slight increase of +*.*% to *.** million kilos. These figures show a recovery in extra-domestic pasta consumption, exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

Out-of-home consumption of pasta Spain, ****-****, million kilos Source: ****

In ****, per capita extra-domestic pasta consumption in Spain varied by region. The Barcelona metropolitan region had the highest consumption at *.** kg per head, followed by the rest of Catalonia and Aragon at *.** kg and the Levant region at *.** kg. Other regions, such as the North-West(***). These data revealed a marked variation in extra-domestic pasta consumption, with particularly high levels in the metropolitan and Levant regions.

Per capita extra-domestic consumption of pa

In ****, per capita extra-domestic consumption of pasta in Spain varied according to the size of the municipality. The national average was *.** kg per head. Residents of municipalities with **,*** to **,*** inhabitants had the highest ...

2.3 Brands & Ways to consume

In ****, * out of ** Spaniards in Spain claimed to eat pasta.

Spaniards and pasta Spain, ****, %, Spain, ****, %, Spain, ****, %, Spain, ****, % Source: ****

In terms of Spaniards' favorite pasta brands in ****, **% preferred the Gallo brand.

Spaniards' favorite pasta brands Spain, ****, % Source: Puro Marketing Source: ****

Pasta: a Giffen good.

A Giffen good is a product whose demand increases when its price rises, despite the usual economic laws of supply and demand. In the case of pasta, this paradoxical phenomenon is explained by the fact that pasta is an essential staple food, inexpensive and difficult to replace. When the price of pasta rises, low-income households, faced with higher prices for all other food products, reduce their consumption of more expensive products and turn even more to pasta, even though it has become more expensive, to satisfy their basic food needs. This means that demand for pasta is virtually inelastic to price variations.

Source: ****

3.1 Value chain

3.2 Production

Between **** and ****, sales of companies specializing in pasta production in Spain grew markedly. In ****, sales amounted to ***.*** million euros, remaining stable in **** at ***.*** million euros. In ****, an increase of +*.*% was recorded, reaching ***.*** million euros, probably due to increased demand during the pandemic. This trend continued in ****, with growth of +**% to ***.*** million euros. In ****, sales rose sharply by +**.*%, peaking at ***.*** million euros. This growth reflects growing demand for pasta, reflecting its importance in the diet of Spanish consumers.

Sales trends for companies specializing in pasta production Spain, ****-****, € million Source: ****

Between **** and ****, the number of pasta-producing companies in Spain fluctuated. In ****, there were *** companies, a number that fell slightly in **** to *** companies. In ****, this number rose by +*.*% to *** companies, probably in response to increased demand during the pandemic. In ****, stronger growth brought the total to *** companies, an increase of +**.*% on the previous year. By ****, however, the number had fallen slightly to *** companies. This development shows an overall expanding sector, despite annual variations, probably influenced by economic conditions and demand dynamics.

Trend in number of pasta-producing companies Spain, ****-****, number Source: INE Between **** and ****, the number of employees in Spain's pasta manufacturing sector grew steadily. In ****, the sector employed *.*** thousand people, then this ...

3.3 Distribution

In ****, the breakdown of pasta market share in Spain by distribution channel showed the dominance of supermarkets, which accounted for **.*% of sales. Hard discounters followed with **.*%, slightly ahead of hypermarkets, which held **.*% of market share. Traditional stores had only a marginal share, with *.*% of sales, while other distribution channels accounted for *.*%. Finally,e-commerce accounted for *.*% of sales, indicating a moderate take-up of this channel. This breakdown reflects the preponderance of supermarkets in pasta distribution in Spain, followed by hard discount and hypermarket channels.

Market share by distribution channel Spain, ****, % (***) Source: ****

In ****, average pasta prices in Spain varied according to distribution channel. Traditional stores had the highest prices, at €*.**/kg, followed by hypermarkets at €*.**/kg. Other distribution channels ande-commerce offered similar prices, at €*.**/kg and €*.**/kg respectively. Supermarkets and hard discounters had the lowest prices, at €*.**/kg and €*.**/kg respectively. The national average price for pasta in Spain was €*.**/kg.

Average prices by distribution channel Spain, ****, €/kg Source: Informe de consumo alimentario **** As a reminder, in ****, supermarket market share in Spain was dominated by Mercadona, which accounted for **.*% of the market, confirming its position as market leader. Carrefour came second with **%, followed by Lidl with *.*%. Other players, such asEroski(***), had smaller market ...

3.4 Brand positioning

Retail brands:

In Spain in ****, retail brands played a key role in the supermarket sector. They held a significant market share, reaching **.*%, underlining their popularity with Spanish consumers. What's more, **.*% of consumers exclusively chose private label products, demonstrating their considerable loyalty. In the food sector in particular, these brands accounted for **% of market share.

Retail brands in Spain Spain, ****, % of total Source: ****

Brand segmentation also shows that Gallo, a Spanish producer, has a significant share of the Spanish pasta market, with **%.

Gallo's share of the dry pasta market Spain, ****, % of market Source: ****

Brand positioning : The different pasta brands in Spain are positioned according to price and quality. In fact, there are * types of positioning possible in this market: Economy segment: this segment corresponds mainly to private labels such as Hacendado (***). This segment is based on price competitiveness, offering pasta at the lowest price on the market. Mid-range segment: This segment corresponds to brands that are slightly more expensive than private labels. It includes brands such as Gallo and Barilla. This segment is also based on price competitiveness. Premium segment: This segment corresponds to brands renowned for the quality of their products. In this segment, competitiveness is based more on brand image ...

4.1 Offer typology

Fresh or dried pasta?

Fresh and dry pasta differ in terms of ingredients, production method, texture and shelf life. Dry pasta is made from durum wheat semolina mixed with water, then extruded and dried at high temperature. this gives them a long shelf life, generally several months to a year, without refrigeration. Their firm texture makes them ideal for thick sauces, as they retain their shape after cooking.

Fresh pasta, on the other hand, is made with soft wheat flour or durum semolina and often enriched with eggs, giving it a softer consistency and richer taste. They require rapid cooking and are best suited to lighter, creamier sauces. Due to their high moisture content, fresh pasta must be eaten quickly or stored in the refrigerator for just a few days. These differences mean that each type of pasta is suitable for specific dishes and culinary occasions, offering a diversity of flavors and textures in the kitchen.

Colored, organic, gluten-free, whole-wheat or *-minute pasta:

The pasta offer has diversified to meet the varied preferences and needs of consumers. Colored pasta, often enriched with vegetables such as tomato or spinach, adds not only color but also a touch of flavor and extra nutrients. ...

4.2 Prix

Le tableau ci-dessous reprend l'offre de pâtes de Mercadona disponible au ** octobre **** :

Source: ****

Le tableau ci-dessous reprend quant-à lui de manière non exhaustive, l'offre de Al Campo au ** octobre **** :

Source: ****

Offre de pâtes prémium :

Le tableau ci-dessous reprend l'offre de Rummo, une marque de pâtes premium : 

Source: ****

4.3 Price trends

Between **** and September ****, theSpanish pasta price index showed an upward trend, with notable fluctuations. In ****, the index stood at **.** (***), before rising slightly to **.** in ****. In ****, the base year, the index reached ***. The rise accelerated in ****, when the index jumped +**.**% to ***.**, in response to inflationary pressures and production cost increases. In ****, the index rose again to ***.**. In June ****, the index remained stable at ***.**, before falling slightly in September **** to ***.**. This trend indicates an overall increase in pasta prices in Spain over the period, despite a slight correction in ****.

Evolution of the pasta price index Spain, ****-September ****, index base ***, **** Source: ****

4.4 The gluten-free trend

Interest in gluten-free pasta has grown considerably in recent years, thanks in part to increased awareness of food intolerances and allergies, as well as growing demand for products for coeliacs. Consumers are increasingly adopting a gluten-free diet for health or wellness reasons, prompting manufacturers to diversify their offerings. This trend is evident both in the home and in the foodservice sector, where gluten-free options have become an imperative to meet specific customer needs.

The production of gluten-free pasta relies on the use of alternative ingredients to wheat, capable of offering a texture and consistency comparable to traditional pasta. Rice, corn, lentil and chickpea flours are widely used, each providing specific nutritional qualities and different flavor profiles. Natural additives such as xanthan gum and psyllium fiber improve the pasta's softness and elasticity, two essential characteristics to guarantee a taste experience close to that of wheat pasta.

Brands compete in ingenuity to offer varied ranges and satisfy the preferences of all consumers. Classic options such as gluten-free spaghetti and macaroni are complemented by more specific varieties, such as legume pasta (***) offered by brands like De Cecco. Gluten-free pasta is now available in a variety of forms: dry, fresh or even frozen, such as ...

4.5 Other supply trends

Whole-wheat pasta:

Whole-wheat pasta offers numerous health benefits, surpassing conventional pasta in nutritional value. First and foremost, it is distinguished by its high dietary fiber content. This richness in fiber supports the proper functioning of the digestive system by facilitating intestinal transit and contributing to a lasting feeling of satiety, which can be particularly useful for those seeking to control their weight or avoid cravings. What's more, fiber helps stabilize blood sugar levels by releasing energy more gradually, reducing glycemic spikes. This makes it an interesting option for people watching their blood sugar levels, especially those at risk of diabetes.

In addition to fiber, wholewheat pasta contains a variety of essential nutrients, including B vitamins, crucial for energy metabolism, and minerals such as iron, zinc and magnesium. These elements contribute to the proper functioning of the body, supporting immunity, energy production and bone health. Unlike white pasta, which loses some of its nutrients during the refining process, wholewheat pasta retains the whole grain, which explains its higher nutritional density.

In culinary terms, wholewheat pasta has a firmer texture and a more pronounced, earthy taste, which can enhance dishes with robust flavors, such as tomato-based sauces or Mediterranean dishes. This texture is ...

5.1 Regulations

Spanish legislation on pasta, formalized by Royal Decree ****/****, lays down precise guidelines for the manufacture, distribution and marketing of these products in order to ensure the safety and quality of pasta in Spain.

Types of pasta and ingredients :

The decree distinguishes several types of pasta, including simple pasta, compound pasta, fresh pasta and stuffed pasta. Plain pasta, for example, is made from durum wheat semolina, semi-hard wheat semolina, soft wheat semolina or their mixtures with drinking water. When the pasta is made from durum wheat semolina only, it may be labelled "superior quality". Compound pasta may include additional ingredients such as gluten, eggs, milk, vegetables or other permitted food substances. Stuffed pasta must contain a certain percentage of filling, often consisting of meat, vegetables or other approved products to guarantee nutritional and taste quality.

Plant and equipment requirements:

Legislation imposes strict standards for production facilities. Plants must be equipped with dedicated, well-ventilated and well-lit premises, far from any source of pollution or insalubrity. Equipment in contact with pasta, such as containers and machinery, must be made of non-toxic, easy-to-clean materials, to avoid contamination. Water used in production must be potable, and premises must comply with strict conditions of cleanliness, with drainage ...

5.2 Food-grade pasta characteristics

The following table highlights the physical characteristics that pasta must have according to decree ****/****:

6.1 Segmentation

• Barilla
• Barilla
• Rummo
• De Cecco
• Carrefour Groupe
• Mercadona
• Auchan groupe
• Panzani
• Gallo