Change of stage for the Spanish pig sector
For several decades, the Spanish pig sector has experienced significant growth, thanks to its excellence, the commitment to professionalism and the increase in demand for our products, especially in international markets.
Thanks to this, the sector made the leap from having almost no presence abroad to becoming one of the undisputed world leaders, the rival to beat in the most competitive markets on the planet.
In other words, the sector went from supplying predominantly the Spanish consumer to meeting the needs of more than 4 billion people in more than 130 countries around the world. An unprecedented success and recognised as a case study of success based on the strategy of diversifying markets.
So we come to 2023, the year in which the figures showed a change in cycle that was already slightly noted in 2022.
Specifically, there was a reduction in the data on the number of slaughters and the volume of meat produced and sectoral exports.
However, it was also a year in which a record positive trade balance of 8,297.1 million euros was achieved.
That is to say, less was produced, but with excellent economic results.
The reason is the change of stage. The pork sector is already present in practically the whole world, we have already reached a large share with a fantastic sales volume… now the objective is different: value is prioritized over volume and quality over quantity.
These are the authentic criteria with which the current photograph of white-coated pigs in Spain should be analysed.
Today, the figures that define the structure of the sector show that there are a total of 68,500 farms; that a census of 31.02 million heads is managed; and that in the last year the number of slaughters was reduced by 6.53%, but meat production only by 3.57% to total 4.85 million tons.
This lower production, but of higher quality and value, is mainly reflected in the result of exports which, after a phase of constant growth for several years, already in 2022 fell somewhat in volume, although they continued to increase in value.
This trend was consolidated in 2023, confirming the current scenario. During that year, 2.75 million tons of pork and pork products were exported for a value of 8.918 billion euros, a record turnover figure. In other words, 5.98% less in volume with an increase of 7.53% in value.
All these production and export data confirm the aforementioned readjustment or reorganization of the productive structure of the sector to be more efficient in terms of results.
The sector is therefore in a very good moment that has been reached with a clear commitment to productive efficiency; the commitment to innovation and the circular economy; the creation of employment, mainly in rural areas; and the total commitment to animal welfare, biosecurity and food safety throughout the chain.
A focus on efficiency and added value is essential to respond to new consumer demands and navigate a context of uncertainty, inflation, regulatory demands and political tensions.
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