Mar 18 2026

New report highlights how alternative proteins are shaping a sustainable future for Spain’s food system

The Spanish alternative protein market is experiencing a significant period of growth, driven principally by emerging technologies, evolving consumer preferences, and international investment. Spain’s developing agrifood ecosystem and the economic opportunities it provides were highlighted in new research conducted by Systemiq and GFI Europe, with innovative agrifood companies such as Heura Foods leading the charge towards a more sustainable future.

Alternative proteins are derived from non-traditional protein sources, designed to
look, cook, and taste like animal-based products. While these can include cultivated meat lab-engineered from animal cells and fermentation using the likes of fungi and algae, the most common items are plant-based proteins, made from beans, chickpeas, peas, nuts, and seeds.

Spain’s untapped potential in the alternative proteins market

A new analysis by Systemiq, a B Corp collaborative system designer, supported by the Good Food Institute Europe, found that alternative proteins have the potential to provide significant opportunities for the Spanish economy over the coming decades.

The report highlighted that the Spanish alternative protein market could reach a value of €6.7 billion by 2040 (larger than the domestic Spanish coffee market), a number that increases to €9 billion when the whole value chain is accounted for.

The research also indicates that Spain could become a biomanufacturing hub, with trade opportunities in the region of €3 billion predicted by 2040. The industry is also forecasted to create an additional 34,000 jobs, spanning the likes of R&D, logistics, manufacturing, and marketing.

A burgeoning R&D alternative protein ecosystem

Spain saw a huge increase in investment in alternative proteins in 2024. Data from NetZero Insight, verified by GFI Europe, showed that alternative protein companies raised €64.7 million, more than five times the amount raised the previous year. This puts Spain second only to Denmark as the leading European country for alternative protein investment.

This data highlights the work of researchers, startups, universities, and agrifoodtech groups throughout Spain’s alternative protein ecosystem, while underlining the importance of active involvement from corporations, institutions, and governments to bridge the gap between technology and industry impact.

Redefining the future of the agrifood chain

The increased investment in Spain’s alternative proteins sector has led to the emergence of a wave of new and exciting Spanish tech startups. FWS data shows that in 2025, the number of startups increased by 5%, with AI adoption at record levels (48%). These foodtech startups, in addition to successful foodtech companies across the country, have the potential to meet the evolving consumer demands, harnessing new technologies to drive the future of the alternative protein sector and the agrifood chain at large.

Investment in innovative technologies and implementation of regulatory, environmental, and financial frameworks will be needed to encourage collaboration, reduce costs, and unlock the sector’s full potential. This will help cement Spain’s status as a leader in sustainable, high-quality food production.

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