Spain Plant-Based Meat Market Overview, 2026

In the European region, Spain is the biggest meat consumption country, with around 70 Million livestock slaughtered each year. An average Spanish person eats 1 kg of meat on a weekly basis, which is far more than Germany or the United Kingdom’s consumption. The over-consumption of animal meat has caused the Mediterranean region to experience rapid warming and a decline in precipitation rate. Rising GHG levels have caused temperatures in Spain to rise by 1.3 degrees Celsius. In 2021, the extreme temperatures caused a fire in Avila and an evacuation drive was carried out for the residents. The massive livestock of Spain has produced large amounts of methane gas. From Jamon to Fuet to Chorizo to Chuleton, eating meat in different forms is part of their traditional food. Apart from meat, Spaniards are also accustomed to eating fish two to three times a week. Other Europeans eat less fish on a weekly basis compared to Americans. With 46.2 Kg per capita annual consumption, the Spanish leave behind Portugal and Lithuania. The most savoured fish is hake, as it is soft, flaky with a more delicate texture than haddock or pollock. Pork meat is largely consumed in Spain as it is the second largest producer of pork in the EU with over 24 Million pigs. In earlier times, rearing pigs was very common in rural Spain for domestic use. The Spanish use every part of the pig slaughtered to be used in varied dishes. White pork is industrialized as it yields more pork meat.

According to the report title “Spain Plant-based Meat Market Overview, 2026” the plant-based meat market in Spain is expected to grow by over 25% during the forecast period ending in 2026. The plant-based meat market in Spain grew by 119% since the historic year of 2015. Spanish consumers are increasingly worried about their health and obesity caused by animal meat. The number of vegans or flexitarians is on the rise with the prospect of living a healthy life. Soy is the most common source for preparing plant-based meat and has a major share of the market. However, rising soy allergies are a deterrent, and consumers are looking for alternatives such as quinoa and oat-based plant-based meat. Oats are assumed to give nutrition equal to beef meat. Although wheat is the most widely grown grain in Spain, it is primarily used for cattle feed rather than human consumption. Wheat has a market share of over 20% in Spain's plant-based meat. Another source of plant-based meat that is being worked on at present is peas. The demand for clean protein sources without any allergies or gluten is increasing demand for pea-based plant meat in Spain. However, high costs associated with procurement, sourcing, research, extraction, and product development are a restraint.

Plant-based meatball demand is increasing as consumers are turning to vegan options to stay healthy and fit. Key market players are developing new plant-based products to offer variety to consumers with different ingredients, spices, flavors, and textures. Sausages and burger patties continue to be the most popular plant-based meats in 2020, accounting for more than 60% of the market. Sausages and Spanish breakfasts are indifferent to each other. Spaniards have been consuming sausages since second breakfast as sandwiches or tortillas and at dinner as a side dish. Chorizo is the famous and most savoured sausage made from pork meat in Spain. While, burgers are the second love after sausages to Spaniards that is the most tempting fast food and goes easy on pocket. Strips and nuggets are increasingly being tried and liked by consumers across the country, who are demanding more of them. These are mostly consumed by young people for an evening snack or just before dinner time.

According to a research paper, Spain is the healthiest country in the world as they eat a Mediterranean diet with omega 3, fats, and proteins. The transition from animal meat to plant-based meat is easy to adapt to as they are already inclined to healthy eating habits. The only constraint is a lack of awareness about the harmful effects of excessive animal meat consumption and the resulting climatic changes on the environment. The Spanish are of the assumption that the climatic changes are caused by vehicular traffic or industries. To foster a plant-based diet, consumers need to be confronted with the adverse effects. This can be achieved through various guidelines; promoting plant-based eating and lowering animal meat consumption can be two of them. Plant-based beef is a moderately consumed type, while plant-based fish accounts for less than 1% of the market share. But the future trend of plant-based fish is promising as there will be more demand for the same. Spaniards lately are becoming aware of the diseases associated with fats due to meat consumption and the growing anti-livestock industry narratives. This is causing an increased demand for clean-labelled food products and a decline in demand for processed foods.

Considered in this report

• Geography: Spain
• Base year: 2020
• Estimated year: 2021
• Forecast year: 2026

Aspects covered in this report

• Spain plant based meat products market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Five force models
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By source

• Soy
• Pea
• Wheat
• Others (Quinoa, oats, nuts etc.)

By types of meat products

• Burger Pattie
• Sausages
• Strips & Nuggets
• Meatballs
• Others

By type

• Beef
• Chicken
• Pork
• Fish
• Other (Lamb, Turkey)

By end-user

• Retail
• HoReCa

The approach of the report

This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analysing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to plant based meat industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.