The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, has highlighted the strength and competitiveness of Spanish fruit and vegetable companies, characterized by high added value agricultural production and a marked export orientation. In addition, he has claimed the role of Spain as the main producer of fruits and vegetables in the European Union, concentrating approximately one quarter of the total community.
During his speech this Tuesday at the inauguration of a new edition of the international fair Fruit Attraction, which he stated is already consolidated as the first in the world after 17 editions, he emphasized that "quality and excellence" are the hallmarks that Spanish fruit and vegetable producers have managed to promote. According to him, these have allowed this segment to become the most economically profitable within national agriculture and to stand out in foreign markets as a "competitive, safe and reliable" supplier, as the Ministry has pointed out.
The head of Agriculture has stressed that Spanish fruits and vegetables continue to gain presence in international markets and has insisted that this fair "must serve to increase Spain's projection in the world." "We are the first producer of fruits and vegetables in the European Union and the tenth in the world," he emphasized.
Spain contributes around one quarter of the fruit and vegetable production of the European Union. Each year, national farmers obtain more than 26 million tons of fruits and vegetables that, in 2025, reached an approximate value of 17.122 billion euros, which represents 30% of the total agricultural production of the country.
About 44% of that volume is directed to foreign markets, with a value exceeding 22 billion euros, that is, more than a quarter of the entire agri-food sector. Outdoor farms and Spanish greenhouses have consolidated as the main suppliers of fruit and vegetable products to the European Union, with almost a quarter of total shipments.
Fruit Attraction reaches new highs in participation
This productive capacity is reflected in a fair that continues to expand its dimension and that, once again, marks record figures, with more than 2,500 exhibiting companies and the presence of more than 121,000 professionals from 150 countries.
In this edition, the protagonist product is the potato and the invited countries are China and the United Arab Emirates. The fair, organized by Ifema Madrid and the Spanish Federation of Associations of Producers and Exporters of Fruits and Vegetables (Fepex), extends over 162,000 square meters spread across 10 pavilions of the Madrid fairgrounds.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food promotes the "Plaza Alimentos de España," located between pavilions 5 and 6, conceived as a gastronomic terrace decorated and themed around the new institutional campaign "España Sabe." This initiative aims to move from simple awareness to action, promoting everyday habits that help avoid food waste, such as planning purchases, properly organizing the refrigerator, making use of leftovers, or requesting to take home uneaten food from a restaurant.
In this outdoor space, different food stalls (gatronestas) and other dining points will be set up offering products of national origin to attendees, who will be able to eat, drink, and enjoy live musical performances.
Inside the venue, the Ministry has set up the presentation area "Foro Fruit Next 5," where conferences, round tables, and presentations will take place. At the same time, throughout the fair, specific signage will be displayed and videos related to the Alimentos de España strategy will be projected.