Recent reports highlight a significant shift in the trade dynamics between Spain and the UK, showcasing the latter's growing role as a vital market for Spanish food and drink exports. In 2024, the value of these exports from Spain soared to €5.1 billion, propelling the UK ahead of the US to become the fifth largest non-EU destination for Spanish food and beverages. This increase underscores a robust recovery and expansion in trade, particularly in the wake of post-Brexit challenges.

The Spanish Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, recently emphasised the importance of this relationship during a meeting with the UK’s Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed. Planas pointed out that Spain continues to be a primary supplier of fresh produce to the UK, notably fruits and vegetables, which accounted for substantial portions of the €4.82 billion in agri-food exports recorded last year. The demand for Spanish products, including vegetables (€1.278 billion), fresh fruit (€875 million), and wine (€312 million), reflects a broader trend of increasing interest in Spanish cuisine.

As part of the celebration of this milestone, 21 Spanish companies will exhibit their products at the upcoming Taste Spain London 2025 event. Organised by Foods and Wines from Spain and Alimentos de España, the trade-exclusive fair will provide a platform for key industry players to engage with UK buyers from retail, hospitality, and foodservice sectors. Visitors will have the opportunity to sample a diverse array of offerings – from traditional Ibérico ham to artisanal cheeses like Manchego, olives, gourmet condiments, and more. Fernando Muñoz, Director of the Food, Wine & Gastronomy Department at the Spanish Embassy in London, called it a “must-attend event,” emphasising the importance of connecting UK professionals with top-quality Spanish producers.

Despite the overall decline of UK food exports post-Brexit, which dropped significantly in response to administrative burdens and changing market conditions, Spanish exports to the UK have seen an impressive growth of 25% over the past five years. This increase not only reflects the resilience of Spanish exporters but also highlights a growing dependence on imported goods in the UK, where the value of food imports has surged.

Recent statistics reveal that while UK food exports experienced a slight uptick in 2024, imports rose even more steeply, pointing to a rising reliance on foreign products. The UK exported £24.6 billion worth of food in 2024, but this was overshadowed by a £64.1 billion total for imports. Furthermore, the Food & Drink Federation’s Q3 2024 Trade Snapshot indicated a marked decline in UK food and drink exports overall, particularly to non-EU countries, highlighting the complexities of the current trade landscape.

The future of UK-Spain trade relations appears to hold promise, with both countries evidently keen to strengthen their ties in the sector. As evidenced by the significant growth in Spanish food exports and the consistent interest from UK consumers, there is a vast potential for collaboration that both governments and businesses are eager to explore.