The soft drink industry has recorded in 2025 an increase of 3.1% in its revenue, exceeding 4.960 billion euros. This advance has reinforced the weight of the sector in the national economy, with a contribution to gross added value that stands at 11.810 billion euros, more than 0.7% of the Spanish GDP, according to the report "The socioeconomic relevance of the soft drink sector in Spain," prepared by the financial consultancy Afi for the Association of Soft Drinks.
The document highlights the economic role of this activity, whose contribution is equivalent to 14.5% of the direct gross added value of the agri-food industry in the country. Furthermore, its influence reaches other key areas for the Spanish economy, such as hospitality, commercial distribution, transportation, and various associated services.
The study also emphasizes its spillover effect on the entire productive fabric: for every euro of added value generated directly by soft drink companies, almost three additional euros are created in the total economy.
This dynamism is also reflected in employment. In 2025, the activity of the sector allowed for the maintenance of 211,500 jobs throughout its value chain, which represents an increase of 2.4% compared to the previous year.
"Behind soft drinks is an industry that generates economic activity, employment, and opportunities throughout the territory and that maintains a very close link with the municipalities and communities in which it is present," said the general director of the Association of Soft Drinks, Beatriz Blasco Marzal.
The territorial presence of the sector is broad, with 145 activity centers distributed across 109 municipalities in all autonomous communities. A particularly relevant fact is that 60% of the plants are located in municipalities with fewer than 30,000 inhabitants, the most exposed to the demographic challenge, so their impact in these areas is particularly significant.
According to the report, the municipalities where this industry is established show better economic, demographic, and sociocultural indicators. Between 2019 and 2025, their population increased by 4.3%, compared to the 1.2% recorded in the whole of Spain. The employability rate reached 87.5%, 21 points above the national average, and household income was 16.8% above the country's average.
These localities also have a higher proportion of young population and a wider offer of cultural and leisure spaces, among which the hospitality establishments stand out.
Ana Callol takes over the presidency of the Association of Soft Drinks
The annual meeting of the sector held this Wednesday has also marked the beginning of a new stage in the Association of Soft Drinks, which is now presided over by Ana Callol, general director of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Iberia.
In her first intervention at the head of the organization, Callol wanted to emphasize the importance of this industry in the country, highlighting the social role of soft drinks. "They are part of people's daily lives and their moments of enjoyment and celebration. And not only that, they make it possible for those moments to be fully enjoyed and shared with everyone, leaving no one out," she emphasized.