Economic Impact of the Wine Sector in Catalonia
The wine and cava business in Catalonia has reached impressive figures, generating 3,267 million euros annually, which represents 1.2% of the region’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This remarkable growth was revealed by the analysis ‘The wine value chain in Catalonia’, presented by the Department of Business and Employment of the Generalitat. Since the last evaluation in 2016, the sector has seen its business volume double, which highlights a positive trend and significant potential.
Catalonia as an Exporting Power
One of the most notable conclusions of the report is that almost half of the wine companies in Catalonia (49.5%) are involved in exports. In 2023, foreign sales of wines and cavas reached 615 million euros, exceeding imports of these products by five times. In the last decade, Catalonia has accounted for 21.1% of total wine and cava exports in Spain, consolidating its position as the leader in number of companies and business volume in this field.
Main International Markets
The most important destinations for wines and cavas from Catalonia include Germany, the United States, Belgium, the United Kingdom and Japan, which demonstrates the global recognition that this sector has. Catalonia is not only a reference at a national level, but is also positioned as a strong competitor in the international wine market.
The Business Fabric: Growth and Diversification
The study reveals that there are currently 1,384 companies operating in the wine sector in Catalonia, which represents an increase of 62% compared to 2016. These companies generate employment for 10,460 people, consolidating a robust business ecosystem. The majority of these companies (81.2%) have been in existence for more than a decade, which indicates stability and experience in the sector.
Predominance of SMEs
95.7% of Catalan wine companies are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Within this sector, 86.3% are mainly dedicated to the production and processing of wine and cava, contributing an impressive 89.5% of the total turnover and employing 92.4% of the sector’s workforce.
The Future of the Catalan Wine Sector
Wineries have become the driving force behind this ecosystem, hosting the majority of companies, turnover and jobs. While companies dedicated to transversal services represent 8.3%, distributors and marketers constitute 5.4% of the total. With such a favourable outlook, the future of the Catalan wine sector seems promising, with opportunities for expansion in both local and international markets.
The growth of the wine sector not only reflects the cultural richness of Catalonia, but also positions the region as a benchmark in the production of quality wines in the global context.