2024 has been a turning point for the AgriFoodTech industry in Spain. The sector has undergone a shift towards a more conscious and sustainable approach, both economically and in terms of viability and profitability. This transition has led to a natural selection process that has strengthened the industry's resilience, establishing a solid foundation for profitability and forecasting growth in the number of companies and investment in 2025.
For the fifth consecutive year, ICEX unveils the report AgriFoodTech in Spain 2024 - Navigating Challenges and Catalyzing Innovation in AgriFoodTech, designed to deliver key insights and a comprehensive analysis of Spain’s AgriFoodTech landscape. The report includes information about the startup ecosystem, its composition, the technologies used, the market they operate in, and the innovative environment, including all the key players who are shaping Spain into a leading AgriFoodTech Nation. It also features a section dedicated to industry trends, with a series of interviews providing a more in-depth understanding of the sector.
A look at the state of things in 2025
The prospections for 2025 are promising: Spanish AgriFoodTech industry is expected to grow by 4% in the number of companies in this year, along with an increase in investment. Spain stands out for its strong public-private collaboration in the early stages of development, although there is a call for greater support in the scaling phases.
Spain has the ambition and potential to play a key role in the global agri-foodtech landscape, particularly in biotechnology and logistics and process management, which enhance industry efficiency through their multiplier effect across the entire value chain. Additionally, there is a notable gender balance in company composition, reflecting equality in entrepreneurship within the sector.
The AgriFoodTech sector is advancing with a clear focus on technological integration, market expansion, and sustainable practices. B2B business models dominate, demonstrating a preference for more transversal and resilient approaches. Furthermore, Spanish companies show a strong international outlook, aligning with ICEX's commitment to supporting their global expansion from the outset through programs such as DESAFIA.
In summary, the report underscores that the Spanish AgriFoodTech industry is well-positioned to face future challenges, driving innovation and strengthening its presence in the global market.