The Foodservice
industry in Catalonia

Catalonia, a driving force for foodservice within Spain and a magnet for international investment 

The foodservice sector is well-established in Catalonia and currently undergoing growth. In fact, according to ACCIÓ-Catalonia Trade & Investment's calculations, Catalonia's turnover accounts for 28.5% of the entire Spanish state (€87 billion). Additionally, 95% of companies operating in this sector in Catalonia are Catalan, with seven out of ten having been in business for more than ten years and 91% being small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).

Moreover, according to data collected in the ACCIÓ-Catalonia Trade & Investment report, over the past five years (2019-2023), Catalonia stood out as the fifth region in Europe and first in Spain to attract the most foreign investment projects related to food production (41) and also in terms of jobs created. Furthermore, 32% of foodservice sector companies are regular exporters abroad.

The study also shows that Catalonia is the Spanish region with the highest number of students enrolled in university or master's degree programs related to foodservice, with nearly 1,000, almost double the number of the region behind them and accounting for 33% of all students studying higher education nationwide.

Market trends: more sustainable consumption and unique experiences

The food and beverage industry is constantly evolving, adapting to the changing realities of nutrition and environmental factors in Catalonia, Spain, and around the world. In the report, several trends are identified in various areas. The first trend is a focus on healthier and more sustainable eating habits, with an emphasis on plant-based (vegetable) products or gluten-free options, as well as a reduction in alcohol consumption during meals. Additionally, there is a commitment to reducing water usage in the industrial production, distribution, and consumption of food processes.

The analysis of trends in the foodservice sector places more emphasis on food consumption experiences. This includes the growth of themed restaurants, quality fast-food establishments, and spaces where eating and drinking are part of an offer that goes beyond simply consuming food. 

Technology and digitalization play an increasingly important role in foodservice. One of the most recurrent initiatives is using social networks to share and promote menu options from establishments, launch new dish creation proposals online, loyalty programs for customers, and collect data on consumer preferences. At the same time, it highlights the growth of automation in order management and the emergence of robots in bars and restaurants to serve diners.

Business opportunities for companies in Catalonia

The study identifies several business opportunities for Catalonia-based companies in the sector based on Catalonia's assets and foodservice market trends. In terms of market and consumption, opening new niches around high-protein products and plant-based options opens up exploring new business models to develop these foods. In this regard, public-private alliances to accelerate the capture and adaptation of this new market segment can facilitate the expansion of businesses considering it.

As regards health, sustainability, and adapting business models to climate change, the report considers it crucial for companies to offer healthy and balanced food and beverages. The ability to collaborate between local producers and companies can help provide consumers with fresh, seasonal, and environmentally friendly foods. To achieve this, logistics and industrial systems must be adapted to make them more efficient, reduce environmental impact, and minimize waste and unused product volume.

In this regard, using sector-adapted technology is crucial for developing sustainable and healthy products. The study emphasizes the ability to detect trends and consumption preferences through social networks or databases to create new dishes and products that align with these trends. One of the tools used to increase productivity should be artificial intelligence.