Spain not only stands as a prominent player in the global agricultural landscape, but has also emerged as a powerhouse in the field of agricultural technology.
As of 2022, the Spanish foodtech sector has seen a remarkable surge in investment, reaching an impressive €268 million.
This represents a substantial 9.38% growth within just a year, as revealed by the latest report from ICEX Spain Trade and Investment.
The sector is currently thriving, showcasing Spain’s prowess in innovation.
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From groundbreaking advancements such as 3D-printed meats, to cutting-edge nanotechnology applications, Spain is leading the way in providing inventive solutions to address some of the most pressing challenges within the agricultural industry.
So, in this episode, made in partnership with ICEX, we ask: What groundbreaking innovations is Spain bringing to the table?
How might these innovations influence the broader food industry on a global scale?
And how can Spanish ingenuity contribute to sustainability efforts, crucial in today’s world?
Sunil Mahtani, International Business Development Manager, DACSA
DACSA has a traditional rice and corn business but, for a few years, they have had a line of plant-based products as well. They also have an investment program in FoodTech startups
Maria Naranjo, Director of the Food and Drink Industry, ICEX
María Naranjo studied Law and Economics at the Jesuit University of Madrid. She also completed postgraduate studies in Monetary Economics at Stanford University. She has been a civil servant in the Ministry of Economy and Finance since 1997.
María has collaborated with Multilateral Financial Institutions and was appointed as Chief of Staff at the Competition Authority in 2008, where she served for six years. Throughout most of her professional career, she has been involved in promoting the internationalization of the Spanish Economy. She has worked at ICEX for over 15 years, holding various positions. In 2017, she was appointed Director of the Agrifood Industry.
Álvaro Nadal, Head Counsellor, Spanish Economic and Commercial Office in London
Former Cabinet Minister for Energy, Tourism and Digital Agenda of Spain (2016-2018). He was elected Member of the Parliament of Spain in 2008 where he served until 2019.
Before joining the Department for Energy, Tourism and Digital Agenda, Alvaro Nadal was Minister, Chief of the Economic Bureau of the Prime Minister of Spain (2011-2016).
He is a State Economist and Trade Expert, graduated in Law and Economics from ICADE University in Madrid and completed his studies as Visiting Ph.D. Student in Economics at Harvard University (1997-1998).
About ICEX Spain Trade and Investment
ICEX promotes exports of Spanish products to Spain’s priority markets, working with Spanish producers, exporters, exporters associations and foreign importers and distributors to introduce new products and developing the market for more established ones.
ICEX will be bringing 11 of Spain’s leading innovators to the Sustainable Food Forum to showcase the problems and solutions they are working on to progress Spain’s sustainability methods. Explore the innovators below.
