the agri-food industry in barcelona and catalonia
TRANSCRIPT
The Agri-Food Industryin Barcelona and Catalonia
Barcelona City CouncilEconomic Promotion
www.bcn.cat/barcelonabusinesswww.22barcelona.com
Economic Promotion is the departmentof Barcelona City Council dedicated topromoting Barcelona as an attractiveplace to do business and to supportingcompanies, professionals and institu-tions interested in setting up and doingbusiness in the city.
22@Barcelona is one of thestrategic projects of the city ofBarcelona. In the centrally locateddistrict of Poblenou, land has beenset aside so that companies andinstitutions working in the media,information and communicationtechnologies (ICTs), medical techno-logies, energy and design can interactwith knowledge centres such asuniversities and R&D centres.
Barcelona Chamber ofCommerce
www.cambrabcn.es
The Barcelona Chamber of Commerceis the institution that representscompanies in the city of Barcelona.Through its individualized services forcompanies and its actions, it promotesits member companies and businessin Catalonia.
Government ofCatalonia
Invest in Cataloniawww.catalonia.com
With headquarters in Barcelona and 35overseas offices, ACC1Ó CIDEM/COPCA,through Invest in Catalonia, providesadvisory services and assistanceadapted to the needs of companiesinterested in setting up or expandingtheir operations and investments inCatalonia.
Barcelona and Catalonia 06
10 Reasons to Invest 08
The Agri-food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia 10
10 Reasons to Invest in the Agri-food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia
01. A very important agri-food industry 12
02. A benchmark European cluster 16
03. A privileged geo-strategic location 17
04. The presence of leading companies 18
05. Leadership in fresh products 20
06. Barcelona Food Platform 22
07. A focus on research and development 23
08. Alimentaria International Food and Beverage Exhibition 24
09. Network of municipal markets 26
10. Barcelona and the Mediterranean diet 28
Websites of Interest 30
04 05Presentation04 The Agri-Food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia
IndexPresentation
Catalonia and its capital, Barcelona, have always been known for welcomingvisitors. Throughout history, many different peoples have passed through thisregion and a good number of them have stayed. This has made Catalonia ahospitable, tolerant and dynamic place that is open to all things new.
Catalonia and Barcelona have become a major economic hub of Europe. As adriver of the Spanish economy, 21st-century Catalonia is an innovative regionwith highly qualified labour, an enviable geographic location (in the centre ofEurope and connected to the rest of the world through its Mediterranean portand international airports) and first-rate infrastructure, which is why itcontinues to attract major international investment year after year.
It is a pleasure for us to present this economic dossier, which describes thecharacteristics of the agri-food industry, one of the primary economic sectorsin Catalonia and Barcelona in terms of its weight in the economy, its relativeweight in comparison to other European regions, and the attention it receivesfrom companies, universities and research centres. This dossier is the result ofthe collaboration of four leading institutions in the economy of the city ofBarcelona and Catalonia and provides a glimpse of what Catalonia has to offeryour company as a leading enterprising region in this industry.
We look forward to providing advice and helping you with your investmentplants.
07The Agri-Food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia
Barcelona, is in Northeastern Spain on theshores of the Mediterranean. It ranks amongthe largest metropolitan regions in Europe andis the centre of an extensive metropolitan areamade up of more than 217 towns and citieswith a total population of 4.6 million. It is theeconomic, cultural and administrative capital ofCatalonia and the leader of an emerging area ofeconomic activity in Southern Europe with17 million inhabitants and more than 800,000companies. This Euro-Mediterranean region,which includes the Balearic Islands, Valencia,Aragon and Southeastern France, is focusing onnew strategic, competitive and internationalsectors, and is consolidating its position as oneof the main European conglomerations ofmetropolises.
Barcelona and Catalonia
06 Barcelona and Catalonia
The basis for economic growth (which has become very important in recent years) can
be found in a metropolis with a polycentric and economically diversified business structure
that facilitates its role as a generator of new ideas, companies and products.
Bearing in mind the distribution of gross added value in different areas of activity,
Catalonia accounts for the highest percentage of industrial activity of all Spain’s
autonomous communities (23%), and is ranked second in terms of gross added value
generated in the services industry (15.7% of the total).
Moreover, Catalonia’s rate of entrepreneurial activity in 2007 was 8.4%, which was
higher than the Spanish and European averages according to the Global Entrepreneurship
Monitor (GEM) 2007.
International business activity in the Barcelona area receives special promotional attention
from the Fira trade fair centre, the Port of Barcelona, the airport, the Zona Franca
Consortium, the Barcelona Tourism Consortium and the new technological innovation
districts. The close ties between the logistics infrastructure and the considerable business
activity of the agri-food industry give the city a privileged geo-strategic position in
Europe.
Barcelona and its metropolitan area attract major agri-food companies, which represent
one of the pillars of the Catalan economy and occupy a leading position in Spain. Catalonia
is a benchmark in the food industry for many reasons. In terms of economics, its
advantages include the many important international companies operating in the area
that sell packaged and fresh products, the considerable agri-food community, with large
specific clusters such as the cava and wine cluster, the geo-strategic location, and the
availability of first-class logistics infrastructure, research centres and prestigious
international trade shows. Moreover, Catalonia is internationally renowned for its
gastronomic culture, which is based on health and quality, as reflected by the
Mediterranean diet and the many restaurants that are famous for exquisite dining.
In terms of the availability of human resources, Barcelona is known for its prestigious
universities, acclaimed research centres, R&D laboratories and intermediary institutions
that facilitate the development of innovative projects that drive new initiatives in the
agri-food industry through knowledge transfer.
Barcelona
Catalonia
Euro-Mediterranean region
09The Agri-Food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia08 10 Reasons to Invest
10 Reasons to Invest
There are many reasons why Barcelona is such anattractive place to live, work and do business. The cityis currently in an excellent position for new businessactivities. Here are just some of the good reasons forinvesting in the city:
01 Strategic geographic location
France is two hours away by road. As the southern gateway to Europe, the city’s port, airport,
duty-free zone, logistics park and international trade fair centre are all within a five-kilometre
radius of the city centre.
02 Complete transport infrastructure
Motorway network connected with Europe; the airport with the fastest growth in Europe; the leading
Spanish port and the largest container port on the Mediterranean; a comprehensive metro, rail and
bus network; the high-speed train connection between Barcelona and Madrid became operative
in 2008 and the link from Barcelona to the French border is expected to provide service by 2011.
03 The centre of a large, dynamic and diverse economic area
The population of the greater Barcelona area is 4.6 million. It is the capital of Catalonia (more
than 7 million inhabitants) and the centre of the Mediterranean Arc, a very large economic area
with 17 million inhabitants. It accounts for 70% of Catalonia’s GDP, showed an increase in its own
GDP in 2007 of 3.1% (above the European average) and is the sixth-largest urban conglomeration
in Europe and the fifth in terms of industry.
04 Successful foreign investment
Ranked the fifth-best city in Europe for doing business, Barcelona accounts for approximately
20% of foreign investment in Spain each year. A total of 2700 foreign companies have set up in
the city and 97% of them have expressed their satisfaction with the decision. Barcelona is also
consolidating its reputation as a location for the European division of many multinationals.
05 Renowned international position
Barcelona occupies an outstanding position in different international rankings in terms of its urban
character, ability to attract foreign investment, entrepreneurial personality and quality of life.
06 Human resources prepared for the future
A high level of preparation, high productivity (one of the highest in Europe according to the OECD); 5 public
universities, 3 private universities, renowned business schools (IESE, ESADE, EADA); 27 international schools;
considerable use of new technologies; a character inclined towards innovation and creativity.
07 Excellent quality of life
Ranked first in Europe in terms of quality of life*. A stable climate, sun, beaches, first-class ski resorts
nearby, availability of excellent cultural and leisure activities; a network of 4500 educational institutions;
a modern, accessible healthcare system; easy accessibility and mobility on public transport; a park system
that surrounds the city.
08 Major urban-planning projects for the future
Transformation of 1000 hectares and 7 million m2 of construction. The Llobregat area is focusing on logistics
and internationalization, with the expansion of the port and airport; the Besòs area is focusing on urban
renewal, sustainability and research centres; the Sagrera-Sant Andreu area will have its own high-speed
train station; 22@Barcelona is the new technology and innovation district.
09 Competitive real estate
A wide selection of office space, commercial premises and industrial buildings with an excellent quality/price
ratio.
10 Unique public-private cooperation
Barcelona City Council and the Catalan government provide strong support to companies. Successful public-
private collaboration has been one of the keys to the transformation of Barcelona.
* According to the European Cities Monitor 2008 by Cushman & Wakefield
10 1110 Reasons to Invest in the Agri-food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia The Agri-Food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia
The Catalan food industryoccupies the leadingposition in Spain and theBarcelona area plays a keyrole, given that aconsiderable amount offood is produced here andmost of the research,innovation and investmentactivity generated in theindustry takes place in thearea.
Catalonia is therefore themost importantautonomous community inthe agri-food industry inSpain, in that it accounts for23% of total turnover andnearly the same percentageof operating income.
Catalonia also boasts a veryrich food and gastronomyculture, based on consumerhabits grounded in theMediterranean diet, qualitysupply and internationallyrenowned restaurants.
The Agri-food Industry inBarcelona and Catalonia
Catalonia, and the Barcelona metropolitan area, has become a benchmark
region in the food and beverage industry or agri-food industry in recent
years. The agri-food industry plays a key role in the Spanish economy
and is one of the most important industries.
The importance of the food industry in the Catalan economy is clear
from the fact that the food, beverages and tobacco industry is the leading
branch of industry in terms of turnover and accounts for 15.7% of the
total and nearly 3000 companies, many of which are located in the
Greater Barcelona Area. The industry also generates 78,100 direct jobs,
which represent 20.4% of the total number of people employed in the
industry in Spain.
Moreover, Barcelona’s weight and projection in the food industry is also
reflected by the city’s distribution facilities: Mercabarna, Barcelona’s
wholesale market, is estimated to supply 10 million people in the area
from Northeastern Spain to Northern Italy; the Alimentaria Food Exhibition
is ranked second among food trade fairs in Europe; and a great many
universities and research centres work in the fields of nutrition and food
safety.
Also important are consumer habits, especially gastronomy, an area in
which Barcelona, Catalonia and Spain have defined a new international
standard. In fact, the Mediterranean diet has become one of the building
blocks of the many fine-dining spots in Catalonia, along with the rich
culinary tradition and the consolidated prestige of the many great Catalan
chefs. All this has given Barcelona a reputation as a city of creative, quality
cuisine.
The aim of this document is to present the basic
current and future characteristics of the agri-food
industry in Catalonia and the city of Barcelona by
pointing out 10 strategic reasons:
01 A very important agri-food industry
02 A benchmark European cluster
03 A privileged geo-strategic location
04 The presence of leading companies
05 Leadership in fresh products
06 Barcelona Food Platform
07 A focus on research and development
08 Alimentaria International Food and
Beverage Exhibition
09 Network of municipal markets
10 Barcelona and the Mediterranean diet
Agri-food Industry Turnover
Source: INE, 2007.
12 1310 Reasons to Invest in the Agri-food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia The Agri-Food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia
A Very Important Agri-food Industry 01
10 Reasons to Invest in the Agri-food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia
Catalonia has had a long tradition in the food industry, as reflected by theconsiderable economic activity this industry generates as a percentage ofall industrial activity. The food industry is, in fact, one of the main driversof the Catalan economy.
The Catalan agri-food industry accounts for 15.7% (€17.14 billion)
of all net sales in Catalan industry, a figure which is comparable to
those of the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Catalonia is
the Spanish autonomous community with the most jobs in the
industry (78,100; 20.4% of the total), followed by Andalusia (13.3%)
and Valencia (8.1%).
Barcelona has very close ties with the agri-food industry: it boasts
10,000 jobs and 370 companies in the industry, which represent
10.8% of the Catalan companies in the industry and 15.8% of
employees. Four branches of the agri-food industry account for most
of these jobs.
The main branch is Other Food Products, which includes activities
as diverse as making bread, biscuits and other pastry products; the
sugar, cocoa, chocolate and confectionery industry; pasta making; coffee and tea; spices,
sauces and condiments; and prepared dietary and baby food. This set of activities accounts
for 55.8% of jobs and 72.7% of companies in the sector.
The second agri-food branch with the most jobs is the beverage sector, which accounts
for 16.6% of jobs, but only 5.1% of companies, which makes it the second-most important
branch in the city in terms of company size (with 91 employees per company).
Finally, the dairy and meat industries are the two other branches that account for the
most jobs and companies in the Barcelona area.
In terms of exports, meat, wine, oil and other food products are the most items sold
abroad. The leading imports are milk and fish, fat and oil and other food products.
Source: DAR, 2006.
Source: DAR, 2006.
Of the 10 sectors the agri-food industries is divided into, meat processing is
the leader in total net sales.
15The Agri-Food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia14 10 Reasons to Invest in the Agri-food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia
1. Barcelona: a laboratory of ideas andidentifier of new trends.
Barcelona has become a key testing ground to chart
new purchasing and consumer habits, and to identify
new trends in the food industry.
Moreover, the presence of major trade fairs and
cultural activities related to the food industry, such
as the Alimentaria International Food and Beverage
Exhibition, have made Barcelona a laboratory for
generating and detecting new opportunities in the
industry and a continuous generator of fresh new
ideas.
Barcelona therefore helps companies identify
opportunities, and develop and test the wide range
of innovations created in the Barcelona area,
especially those related to:
• New consumer habits and the identification of
new consumer segments.
• New purchasing patterns.
• The introduction and analysis of new products,
such as functional food and environmentally
friendly and organic products.
• The adaptation of new marketing channels,
such as the hotel and restaurant channel.
2. Innovation.
Catalonia also boasts an extensive network of pioneering associations and organizations
in research, development and innovation which have created a first-rate environment for
knowledge and innovation, and help companies develop new products and services (IRTA,
Barcelona Food Platform, etc.).
The Greater Barcelona Area is also home to major clusters that complement and contribute
synergies in the food industry, such as those in information and communication technologies
(ICTs) and the biotech sector.
Catalonia and the Greater Barcelona Area
become a key location for the development of
research and innovation.
• Product innovation, especially in the
development of the 4th and 5th range.
• Production-process innovation, especially in
techniques involving product processing,
manufacture and preservation.
• Adaptation to trends in logistics distribution
and related new technologies, such as smart
packaging.
• Technological innovation.
• Incorporation and innovation in
environmental matters and waste
management.
Also of note is Barcelona’s location near major
logistics infrastructure, which give it considerable
international projection.
Catalonia, and especially the Greater Barcelona
Area, has thus become a major catalyst and
generator of business opportunities and R&D and
innovation in the food industry.
Innovation and New Trends. TheGreater Barcelona Area is home to afirst-class food cluster that offerscompanies a wide range of oppor-tunities in the identification andadaptation to industry trends.
17The Agri-Food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia16 10 Reasons to Invest in the Agri-food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia
The agri-food industry inthe Barcelona area hasbecome a benchmark inEurope and the world:
• It is home to a first-classagri-food cluster
• It is a hub that attractsinternational companies
Benchmark European Cluster 02 A Privileged Geo-strategic
Location03The agri-food cluster in Catalonia occupies a leading position in Europe,
according to data from the Observatory of European Clusters presented
by the Stockholm School of Economics, which analyses more than 250
European regions.
Along with the Italian region of Lombardy, Catalonia has become one of
the main agri-food clusters in Europe in terms of the number of jobs
created and size, out of more than 150 food clusters analysed.
The Barcelona area agri-food cluster is also the leader, given that, in
terms of jobs created, it is second only to the construction industry. It is
the largest agri-food cluster in Spain and the one that has created the
most jobs.
Of special note is the Llobregat Delta platform, which is equipped with
assets that make it a first-class agri-food cluster. These assets include
the following infrastructure facilities:
• The Zona Franca Industrial Estate (PZF), which is the largest piece of
active industrial land in Spain with a gross area of 600 ha. More than
200 companies operate on this estate and turnover in 2006 amounted
to €20 billion.
• Mercabarna, one of the main food clusters in Southwestern Europe.
• Barcelona airport.
• The Port of Barcelona and the Logistics Activity Area (ZAL), more than
830 ha. of which is devoted to the agri-food industry, with 6 specific
terminals. Cargo traffic (imports/exports) amounts to about 7.4 million
tonnes per year.
Finally, Catalonia has a considerable supply of agri-food warehouse
space, currently around 1,500,000 m2, of which approximately 60% is
located in Barcelona Province, where there is an excellent supply of
cold logistics services.
Foreign Investment
Moreover, the Barcelona area has become a major focus of foreign
investment, especially in industry and advanced services. Catalonia has
thus consolidated its reputation as the main destination of foreign
companies, nearly 34% of which have their headquarters or main activity
in the region. The Barcelona area is home to 90% of the companies that
have set up in Catalonia and close to 97% of those companies have
expressed a high level of satisfaction with the decision.
In the food industry, the dynamic, attractive profile of Catalonia is reflected
by the fact that almost 11% of the foreign investment in Catalonia is in
the agri-food industry, right behind the automotive industry, with 13%.
Food Cluster (top 10 in Europe)
Lombardy (Milan), IT
Catalonia (Barcelona), ES
Denmark, DK
Brittany (Rennes), FR
Vlaams Gewest, BE
Emilia-Romagna (Bologna), IT
Veneto (Venice), IT
Pays de la Loire (Nantes), FR
Masovia (Warsaw), PL
Andalusia (Seville), ES
Barcelona has a privilegedgeographic location, giventhat all modes of transportcan be found so close toone another (at a distanceof no more than 5kilometres): sea, air, rail androad, as well as theinfrastructure and landnecessary for thedevelopment of large-scalequality logistics activities.
The Llobregat Delta agri-food cluster is
supported by an intermodal system of
logistics and transport infrastructure:
• 7 km from the airport.
• 500 m from the port.
• 200 m from the main rail cargo station
in Catalonia.
• 7 km from the centre of Barcelona.
Terminals dedicated to the agri-food industry in the Port of Barcelona:
ERGANSA - Terminal that receives bulk grain and seeds.
BUNGE IBÉRICA, SA and CARGIL ESPAÑA, SA - Terminals that mill soy beans.
TERMINAL PORT NOU, SA – Fruit terminal.
INTERLOGÍSTICA DEL FRÍO, SA (INTERFRISA) - Refrigerated warehouse.
BIT S.A. - Coffee and cocoa terminal.
Road network
RENFE rail network
FGC commuter rail network
Cargo network
Logistics Activities Zone (ZAL)
Zona Franca Logistics Park
Zona Franca customs
Barcelona air cargocentre
Port of Barcelona
Barcelona Airport
15 2
4
26
1
2
4
5
6
3
10 Reasons to Invest in the Agri-food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia 19The Agri-Food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia18
The Presence of Leading Companies 04
Catalonia is an industrial benchmark in the food industry, especially inthe Barcelona area, as a result of the presence of internationalcompanies that are the leaders in their sectors and due to theexistence of four key clusters. Complementary industries have alsodeveloped, such as those related to packaging, logistics, and coldstorage, etc.
Catalonia: Four Leading FoodClusters
• Meat Industries: Cluster made up of more
than 200 companies with 8,300 employees.
• Mineral Water: Cluster made up of 11
establishments dedicated to mineral water,
with more than 600 jobs and an annual
turnover of €400 million.
• Wine and Cava: This cluster is made up of
more than 200 companies employing 2,500
people and invoicing €575 million per year.
• Olive Oil: This cluster is made up of 130
establishments that employ nearly 900
people and have a joint annual turnover of
€500 million.
There are nearly 3,000 companies working in the agri-
food industry in Catalonia, which is ranked first in Spain
in terms of the number of large companies, with close
to 700. Most of this industry and the employment it
generates is located in Barcelona Province, which has
become a strategic area for any major agri-food
company.
A number of leading companies in the agri-food
industry have thus set up in Catalonia and especially
in the Barcelona metropolitan area, as well as many
companies that are the world leaders in their
respective sectors.
Examples include Nestlé, Danone, Agroaliment,
Panrico, Borges, Bimbo, Coca-Cola, Damm, Freixenet,
Codorniu, Cargill Spain, Corporació Alimentària de Guissona and Bacardi.
At the same time, the presence of such important companies has generated a high
level of specialization and qualifications of the professionals in the industry, which offers
first-class human resources and knowledge.
Headquarters of the AECOC – GS1 Spain
The main association of manufacturers and distributors in Spain (AECOC), with
close to 24,000 associates, has its headquarters in Barcelona. The AECOC was
originally created to promote the use of barcodes, but has developed to offer
the industry and distribution a framework for cooperation that is essential to
be able to reach consumers as efficiently as possible by identifying opportunities
for improvement all along the supply chain.
AECOC is also a member and representative of the GS1 organization in Spain.
The aim of GS1 is to define standards and good practices in the supply chain.
Source: DAR
21The Agri-Food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia20 10 Reasons to Invest in the Agri-food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia
Mercabarna is a first-rate food unit and has become one of the main foodclusters in Southwestern Europe for fresh products. It also handlesmarketing, preparation and generation of added value for food, logistics,distribution, importing and exporting, as well as the supply ofinfrastructure and technological services, waste-management policies andrespect for the environment.
Leadership in Fresh Products05
The following figure shows the mapof Mercabarna with the differentsectors and activities carried outthere.
The modification of the General Metropolitan
Plan (PGM) should make it possible to expand
Mercabarna in the future. In 22AL, an area
adjacent to Mercabarna that belongs to the Zona
Franca Consortium, it has been established that
new activity licences will only be granted for
activities related to the commerce, industry and
distribution of agri-food products. Mercabarna
will therefore grow by an additional 44 hectares
as a means of increasing the development of
Mercabarna and the agri-food industry in general
(at present 15% of the plots of land on the Zona
Franca Industrial Estate is dedicated to the agri-
food industry).
Located on the Zona Franca Industrial Estate, Mercabarna is home to more than 800
companies, of which 350 are commercial concerns (wholesale buying and selling) and
450 work in other activities in the food industry (product processing and handling,
restaurant services, warehousing, logistics and distribution, etc.). Overall, Mercabarna
generates €2.5 billion in turnover each year, employs 8,000 people and is visited by
25,000 people a day.
Mercabarna also forms part of MERCASA, the network of 23 wholesale markets distributed
throughout Spain that account for an area of more than 7 million square meters dedicated
to the agri-food industry, where more than 3,500 wholesale companies work.
Mercabarna covers an area of 90 hectares divided into four sectors:
• Fruit and vegetables, with a Central Fruit and Vegetable Market.
• Fish, with a Central Fish Market.
• Meat, with a slaughterhouse.
• Flowers and plants, with a Central Flower and Plant Market (currently on premises
in the towns of Sant Boi de Llobregat and El Prat de Llobregat).
One of the factors that make Mercabarna stand out from
other markets in the world is the considerable development
of the Complementary Activities Area (ZAC), where activities
are carried out that give added value to fresh products
(handling, cutting, cleaning, etc.) and that provide services
in the product value chain (controlled-temperature
warehouse management, logistics and transport,
distribution, importing, exporting, etc.). The ZAC also creates
strong synergies between suppliers and customers, given
that the purchasing platforms of distribution companies
make it possible to establish economies of scale and
different advantages for the companies operating there
(purchasing and logistics flexibility, reduction of stocks and
improved planning).
Mercabarna’s most immediate area of influence extends 100 km beyond Barcelonaand covers all of Catalonia, the northern section of Valencia, an area in WesternAragon, the Balearic Islands, Andorra, Southern France and Northern Italy. It suppliesa total of nearly 10 million consumers with fresh products.
22 10 Reasons to Invest in the Agri-food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia 23The Agri-Food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia
Barcelona Food Platform isan initiative in progress forthe development of atechnology park forinnovative companies thatgenerate and providetechnological and logisticsservices to the agri-foodindustry and relatedsectors.
Catalonia, and the GreaterBarcelona Area in particular,is equipped with majorinfrastructure, platformsand universities dedicatedto research, developmentand innovation in the agri-food industry thatcontribute to extensiveknowledge of the industryand provide companieswith the R&D andinnovation services theyneed to increase the addedvalue of their products, takeadvantage of newtechnologies and innovate.
BarcelonaFood Platform06 A Focus on Research
and Development 07Barcelona Food Platform will provide space for
innovative companies in the agri-food industry on
a plot of land of more than 30 hectares on the Zona
Franca Industrial Estate.
Barcelona Food Platform will therefore provide agri-
food companies with access to technologies and
services that will help them improve their
competitiveness and business projection through
such actions as improving products and processes,
distribution and export logistics, and innovation in
the introduction and creation of new products.
Catalonia, and the Greater Barcelona Area in
particular, boasts a wide range of research centres
and groups linked to the food industry that contribute
to creating a business community that understands
innovation and provide the R&D services companies
need.
They include:
• Innovative Technological Analysis for
Competitive Industrial Processes (ATIPIC).
• Centre for Agro-food Economy and
Development (CREDA).
• Centre for Animal Health Research (CReSA).
• Spanish National Research Council (CSIC).
• School of Agriculture of Barcelona.
• Catalan Institute of Wine and Vineyards.
• Institute for Food and Agricultural Research
and Technology (IRTA).
• CSIC-IRTA Consortium Plant Molecular
Genetics Laboratory.
At the same time, the main Catalan universities have
research groups with links to the agri-food industry
that carry out basic and applied research:
• Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.
• Universitat de Barcelona.
• Universitat de Girona.
• Universitat de Lleida.
• Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya.
• Universitat Rovira i Virgili.
Barcelona Food Platform focuses on
technologies such as:
• Freezing and cryogenics.
• Improving preparation, evisceration and
dispensing.
• Pasteurization and sterilization.
• Packaging and palletization.
• Identification, such as labelling and
radiofrequency identification.
• Innovative technologies such as radiation
treatments, fast drying,
electromagnetism, etc.
Barcelona Food Platform provides the
following services:
• Warehousing: refrigeration, controlled
atmosphere, freezing.
• Logistics.
• Consulting on R&D and innovation.
• Product innovation and market research.
• Inspection, auditing and certification.
The Triptolemos Foundation for Agri-food Development is a private institution whose objective is to
define and create a cross-cutting framework for dialogue, exchange of knowledge and activities
between the agents involved in the agri-food chain, especially in the area of R&D and innovation. Its
mission is to promote actions that increase the availability, quality, knowledge of and trust in food. The
foundation’s headquarters is in Barcelona.
25The Agri-Food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia24 10 Reasons to Invest in the Agri-food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia
A multi-sectoral fair representing allindustries:
CONGELEXPO. Frozen products.
EXPOBEBIDAS. Soft drinks, mineral water, beer,
cider and grape juice.
EXPOCONSER. Preserves and semi-preserves.
INTERCARN. Meat and meat products.
INTERLACT. Dairy products.
OLIVARIA. Olive oil.
INTERPESCA. Seafood, aquaculture and fish
farming.
INTERVIN. Wine and spirits.
MULTIPRODUCTO. General food products.
MUNDIDULCE. Sweets, biscuits and
confectionery.
RESTAURAMA. Eating out.
VEGEFRUIT. Fresh fruit and vegetables.
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY AND ORGANIC
FOODS
ALIMENTARIA PREMIUM. Premium products.
Alimentaria InternationalFood and BeverageExhibition
08Alimentaria is the most important international food trade fair in Spainand one of the largest in the world. Organized every other year,Alimentaria has been held seventeen times and has become a realmeeting point for the international food and distribution industry wherethe main sector innovations and trends are presented.
Nearly 4,800 exhibitors (a 20% increase in the last 20 years) from leading companies in
the production and distribution of food and beverages from more than 70 countries meet
at this international event every two years. A total of 158,000 visitors attended the last
fair, 21% of whom were from 155 foreign countries. Alimentaria has thus become an
international business centre and a bridge between Europe, Africa and Latin America, which
is one of the advantages of the international trade fairs held in Barcelona.
Based on its privileged position, backed by its track record and guided by the key words of
innovation, professionalization, internationalization and dynamic activities, as well as its
exhibition space, Alimentaria is without a doubt very highly respected.
The trade fair generates more than €1.8 billion in business for participating companies
while it produces profit for the city of Barcelona to the tune of €168 million. However, the
impact of the show is not only quantitative, but extremely qualitative, as reflected by the
many parallel activities that are held: Alimentaria Premium, the International Food Forum,
the Futura d'Innova shop and the 7th International Conference on the Mediterranean Diet.
Net exhibition space
Space for dynamic activities and entertainment
Participating companies
Professional visitors
International professional visitors
2008
122,000 m2
9,000 m2
4,806
157,632
33,418
2006
115,000 m2
7,000 m2
4,148
152,344
32,892
2004
105,815 m2
6,000 m2
4,087
142,513
31,000
27The Agri-Food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia26 10 Reasons to Invest in the Agri-food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia
The food industry is strengthened by a food culture based on qualityand health, which is why the municipal markets are well stocked withexcellent products, especially in the Barcelona area. These marketshave a thousand-year-old history and form a key part of the city’seconomy. A wide selection of food products are available, especiallyfresh products.
Municipal Markets09
There are 170 municipal markets in Catalonia, of which 46 are in the different neighbourhoods
of the city of Barcelona and have a total of 8,790 stalls. Barcelona’s markets are grouped
in the network of the Institute of Municipal Markets of Barcelona, the largest in Europe.
In figures, municipal markets boast more than 100,000 m2 of commercial space and 3,500
commercial establishments, while providing more than 5,000 direct jobs. They are estimated
to receive about 50 million visitors a year who spend a total of €500 million.
Of note is that the municipal markets organize many dynamic activities that contribute to
disseminating food culture based on a balanced, quality, healthy diet.
Markets with projection in Europe
Different markets and towns that believe in bringing Europe closer to people and raising
concern about the quality of life of its inhabitants have created EMPORION, a European
association that groups together the best food markets. The association has its headquarters
in Barcelona and encourages markets to improve their daily performance and to ensure they
are heard in the European Union.
Markets are also cultural references
A number of different activities, campaigns and
cultural events take place at municipal markets:
• Promotional campaigns such as Come to Your
Market and Cuisine Science.
• Programmes to disseminate healthy food
culture such as To the Market for Health.
• Participation in events and conferences such
as A Taste of Barcelona.
• Organizing product samples and exhibitions
such as the Country Food Shows in Berguedà
and La Boqueria.
• Entertainment activities during major holidays
such as Christmas, the Epiphany and Mardi Gras,
and cultural activities at markets such as Arts
Night in Sarrià.
• Campaigns aimed at immigrants, through
training, information about native products and
the introduction of new products, etc.
• Presentations, sessions and tours with students
to teach about eating habits.
29The Agri-Food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia28 10 Reasons to Invest in the Agri-food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia
Barcelona and the Mediterranean Diet10
Barcelona has a clear cultural interest in the agri-food industry and,together with the main countries on the Mediterranean, has submitted anofficial request to have the Mediterranean diet included on the UNESCOlist of intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
Of special note in this area is the Mediterranean Diet
Foundation (FDM), a non-profit organization of a strictly
scientific and cultural nature whose main objective is to
preserve the age-old heritage of the populations on the
shores of the Mediterranean Sea, i.e. the philosophy of
life and eating habits that have sparked the interest of
eminent scientists all over the world in recent decades
due to their contribution to the prevention of numerous
ailments. With this aim in mind, the Foundation promotes
research and the dissemination of the scientific
advantages for health of the Mediterranean diet and
lifestyle.
The Foundation Board receives support from the following official institutions:
• Spanish Ministry of the Environment, the Rural Community and the Sea.
• Catalan Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Action.
• Barcelona City Council.
• Association for the Advancement of the Mediterranean Diet (ADDM).
The Foundation’s main activities include:
• Educational campaigns on eating and the Mediterranean diet for schools.
• Report of the International Observatory on the Mediterranean Diet.
• Organization of the international conference in Barcelona on the Mediterranean diet.
• Collaboration with different institutions and organizations to raise awareness about
the Mediterranean diet, such as Barcelona City Council, the Spanish Ministry of the
Environment, the Rural Community and the Sea, the Spanish Federation of the Food
and Beverages Industries (FIAB), the organizing committee of Alimentaria, etc.
• Forming part of the NAOS strategy (nutrition, physical activity, obesity prevention)
to implement actions to promote the Mediterranean diet, and participation in different
conferences and congresses.
Moreover, a scientific committee has been created with more than 23 renowned international
researchers from more than 12 countries to strengthen the international projection of
Mediterranean food and gastronomic culture.
Catalonia as an internationalbenchmark in gastronomy
Also of note is the international recognition of
Catalan restaurants. For example, Catalonia has
the highest number of Michelin-starred
establishments in Spain:
• Restaurants with 1 star: 29
• Restaurants with 2 stars: 2
• Restaurants with 3 stars: 3
El Bulli (Ferran Adrià)
Racó de Can Fabes (Santi Santamaria)
Sant Pau (Carme Ruscalleda)
Escola Superior d'Agricultura de
Barcelona (School of Agriculture of
Barcelona)
www.esab.upc.edu
IESE
www.iese.edu
Institut Català de la Vinya i el Vi
(Catalan Institute of Wine and
Vineyards)
www.gencat.es/darp/incavi
Institut de Recerca and Tecnologies
Agroalimentàries (Institute for Food
and Agricultural Research and
Technology, IRTA)
www.irta.es
Laboratori de Genètica Molecular
Vegetal Consorci CSIC-IRTA (CSIC-IRTA
Consortium Plant Molecular Genetics
Laboratory)
www.csic-irta.es
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
www.uab.es
Universitat de Barcelona
www.ub.edu
Universitat de Girona
www.ubg.es
Universitat de Lleida
www.ubl.es
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya
www.upc.es
Universitat Rovira i Virgili
www.urv.es
31The Agri-Food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia30 Websites of Interest
Websites of Interest
Editors
Barcelona City Council - Economic Promotion
22@Barcelona
ACC1Ó CIDEM|COPCA. Government of Catalonia
Barcelona Chamber of Commerce
Design
Glòria Escoruela - g.grafic
Printing
Gráficas Sierra S.L.
D.L. (legal deposit)
Barcelona, March 2009
Circulation: 2,000 (english version)
Local and AutonomousCommunity Organizations
22@Barcelona
www.22barcelona.com
ACC1Ó CIDEM|COPCA
www.acc10.cat
Invest in Catalonia
www.catalonia.com
Barcelona City Council
www.bcn.cat
Catalan Ministry of Agriculture, Food
and Rural Action
www.gencat.cat/darp
Institute of Municipal Markets
www.mercatsbcn.com
Mercabarna
www.mercabarna.es
National Organizations
Spanish Ministry of the Environment,
the Rural Community and the Sea
www.marm.es
Business Organizations
AECOC – GS1 Spain
www.aecoc.es
Barcelona Chamber of Commerce
www.cambrabcn.es
Emporion
www.emporion.org
Fira de Barcelona Trade Fair Centre
www.firabcn.es
Mediterranean Diet Foundation (FDM)
www.fdmed.org
Triptolemus Foundation
www.triptolemos.org
Universities and ResearchCentres
Anàlisi Tecnològica Innovadora per a
Processos Industrials Competitius
(Innovative Technological Analysis for
Competitive Industrial Processes,
ATIPIC)
www.atipic.es
Centre de Recerca en Economia and
Desenvolupament Agroalimentari
(Centre for Agro-food Economy and
Development, CREDA)
www.creda.es
Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal
(Centre for Animal Health Research,
CReSA)
www.cresa.es
Consejo Superior de Investigaciones
Científicas (Spanish National Research
Council, CSIC)
www.csic.es
ESADE
www.esade.es