Find Spanish Buyers, Importers, Distributors (2025 List)

It's not all about tapas, olive oil, and wine. It's actually one of the largest gateways in Europe for global trade. As the fourth-largest economy within the EU, the nation imports billions per annum. During 2023 alone, Spain imported products worth more than €400 billion, and a healthy portion of that was in the form of food and drink.

And now, what does that do for you if you wish to export to Spain? Essentially, there is space for all sorts of products. International tastes, organic produce, and new drinks are all accessible to Spanish buyers. If you have something unique, then there is likely a market for it here.

Another key aspect to highlight is Spain's position and how it's so much of a sweet spot. It straddles Europe to North Africa and even Latin America, which accounts for the fact that so many suppliers view it as a bridge to several markets. And because it's an EU nation, the process of customs is far smoother than in non-EU nations.

The food and beverage industry in Spain is becoming increasingly international year by year. In 2023, Spain imported more than €30 billion in food and beverages alone. That figure alone indicates just how much the Spanish purchasers are dependent on foreign suppliers to meet demand.

If you look at any Spain buyer directory, you'll notice the diversity. It's not a one or two categories; it's an entire spread.

Here's what grabs attention the most:

• Seafood and fish products – Spain has one of Europe's highest seafood consumption levels, so imports are significant.
• Fruits and vegetables – bananas, avocados, citrus fruits, and tropical fruits remain in strong demand throughout the year.
• Meat and poultry products – beef to chicken, imports equalize with domestic production.
• Wine, beer, and spirits – Spain produces much of it locally, but imports to satisfy niche markets.
• Olive oil and specialty oils – yes, Spain is well-known for olive oil, but surprisingly it still imports certain types.
• Dairy foods – cheese, butter, milk powders all feature on the list of Spain purchasers.
• Vegetable and organic foods – these are not niche anymore; they are mainstream.

And then there are the quickest movers. The segments with the fastest growth with food purchasers in Spain are:

• Organic and sustainable products.
• Vegan and plant-based alternatives.
• Functional beverages — consider energy blends or wellness-oriented drinks.
• Ready-to-eat foods and easy snacks.

When people talk about selling into Spain, they sometimes picture just supermarkets. But the truth? The buyer landscape is way more mixed. You’ve got big Spain importers bringing in containers of products, but also smaller food buyers in Spain who only care about specialty lines. Here are key Spanish buyer types:

• Importers shipping products in volume across borders.
• Distributors ensuring those products arrive in stores and foodservice.
• Wholesale buyers in Spain stocking independent restaurants and shops.
• Retail chains promoting trend-driven products directly to customers.
• HORECA buyers (restaurants, hotels, catering) seeking new, fresh products.
• Online players establishing niches through e-commerce.

If you’re aiming to export to Spain, you’ll want to know which of these groups fits your product best.

Want to break into Spain's food and beverage market? Excellent decision. However, exporting is not as simple as loading a container and shipping it out. Exporting is like putting together a puzzle in which every move counts if you aim to arrive with the correct buyers in Spain.

Here's how to simplify it:

• Do your research beforehand. Spain has a varied market. Some items sell like hotcakes, others don't even budge. Research trends, pricing, and what Spanish food buyers actually want in comparison to what you are providing.
• Cover your compliance. The EU is not kidding around with safety and labeling. If you export to Spain, have packaging, allergens, and certifications in place from the beginning.
• Tackle the paperwork. Invoices, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, it's all standard procedure. Add HACCP, organic, or other certifications if your product requires them.
• Select the proper freight partner. A forwarder who understands EU regulations can prevent customs delays.
• Negotiate Incoterms. CIF, FOB, DDP, all sounds complex, but it only determines who pays what. Clarity here maintains smooth deals.
• Understand product approvals. Certain products require EU registration before they even reach the shelf. Best to do it ahead of time.

And here's the piece most people overlook: the documents are only half of it. The true advantage lies in relationships. With a validated Spain buyer list, you have access to Spanish importers, wholesale Spanish buyers, and distributors that are currently looking to buy. A quality Spain buyer list doesn't merely gain you access. It informs you where your product actually belongs.

Certifications are crucial for exporting food and beverage products to Spain, as they ensure compliance with EU and Spanish regulations.

Key certifications include:

• EU Organic Certification. If your goods are organic, this is a must-have. Spanish shoppers truly appreciate transparency in this area.
• IFS or BRC. Retailers and distributors tend to request one of these. They indicate your food safety systems are sound.
• ISO 22000 or ISO 9001. Less about quality management and more about food, but they provide buyers with confidence that you're able to maintain consistent standards.
• Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO. These become relevant for niche markets. Depending on your product, they can open doors you hadn't even considered.
• Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance. Ethical and sustainable products are a big deal in Spain right now. Many buyers in Spain actively search for this.
• CE Marking. Needed for some categories to prove compliance with EU health and safety laws.

When working with Spanish buyers, don't downplay packaging since this aspect is also related to trust, compliance, and presentation. Conversely, packaging that checks both the legal and visual boxes simplifies things for Spain importers and retailers.

• Retail-ready packaging - Large supermarkets and online marketplaces prefer products that can go directly onto the shelf. No added handling, no hassle.
• Bulk packaging - If your target audience is wholesale customers in Spain or foodservice, bulk packaging keeps things affordable and logistics streamlined.
• Eco-packaging - This one's gigantic. Spanish customers are environmentally conscious, and a great number of food buyers in Spain actively seek out recyclable, compostable, or reusable ones.

Now, this is where most exporters make mistakes. And it is preventable. The guidelines are spelled out, and with a good Spain buyer database, you will be able to see that there is compliance that each distributor inspects. At the very least, labels must have:

• Product name and brand
• Ingredients list
• Net weight or volume (using metric alone)
• Country of origin
• Nutritional information (for foodstuffs and beverages)
• Allergen information
• Expiry or best-before date
• EU marks of compliance (whenever necessary)