Spain Soybean Market Overview, 2030

Spain’s soybean market plays a vital role in its agricultural and feed industries, shaped by heavy import reliance, evolving consumer trends, and EU-driven sustainability regulations. As one of the largest soybean importers in the European Union, Spain sources primarily from Brazil, the U.S., and Argentina, with soybean meal essential to the country’s livestock sector—particularly for poultry, swine, and cattle feed. Spain’s crushing infrastructure, concentrated in four key plants (three operated by Bunge and one by Cargill), ensures streamlined conversion of raw soybeans into protein meal and oil. While domestic soybean cultivation is minimal, the food industry is incorporating soy into a growing range of plant-based products such as tofu, soy milk, and textured vegetable protein, reflecting rising interest in meat alternatives. The biodiesel industry also utilizes soybean oil in renewable energy initiatives aligned with Spain’s energy transition goals. EU regulations, including the Renewable Energy Directive and the Deforestation Regulation, significantly shape Spain’s sourcing strategy, with an increasing preference for U.S. soybeans certified for sustainability and traceability. Spain’s regulatory framework promotes traceable, deforestation-free supply chains, and supports crop diversification and contract farming for sustainable domestic production. Though local cultivation remains limited, it is strategically encouraged through agricultural policies that align with EU environmental standards. Historically, soybeans entered Spain’s agricultural system primarily for feed use, and while that remains dominant, food applications and sustainability concerns are expanding the market’s focus.

According to the research report "Spain Soybean Market Overview, 2030," published by Bonafide Research, the Spain Soybean Market is anticipated to grow at more than 6.45% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. The Spain soybean market is a key player in the European oilseed industry, shaped by import dependency, sustainability regulations, and evolving trade policies. Spain imports approximately 6 million metric tons of soybeans annually, primarily from Brazil, the United States, and Argentina, with a significant portion processed into soybean meal for animal feed. The market drivers include the livestock sector’s demand for high-protein feed, the growth of plant-based protein consumption, and EU sustainability mandates requiring deforestation-free supply chains. The latest developments in Spain’s soybean market focus on traceability measures, ensuring compliance with EU environmental regulations and promoting responsible sourcing. Major market players include Bunge, Cargill, and local agribusiness firms, offering soybean meal, oil, and plant-based protein products to meet the needs of feed, food, and biofuel industries. These companies prioritize sustainable sourcing and advanced processing technologies to align with environmental mandates. Opportunities in the market lie in the expansion of locally sourced soybeans, reducing dependency on imports while supporting Spain’s agricultural sector. The compliances and certifications required for soybean production include EU Deforestation Regulation, ISO 14001 for environmental management, and organic farming certifications.

GMO soybeans, genetically modified to enhance yield, pest resistance, and herbicide tolerance, dominate global soybean production but face stringent regulations in Spain due to European Union policies restricting genetically modified crops. The country primarily imports GMO soybeans for animal feed, particularly in the poultry and livestock sectors, where high-protein soybean meal is essential for nutritional balance. However, Spain has been actively promoting non-GMO soybean cultivation, aligning with its sustainability goals and consumer preferences for organic and clean-label food products. Non-GMO soybeans are widely used in food processing, including soy milk, tofu, and plant-based protein alternatives, catering to the growing demand for health-conscious and environmentally friendly products. The Spanish government and agricultural bodies have implemented policies to support local non-GMO soybean farming, reducing dependency on imports while ensuring compliance with EU deforestation-free supply chain regulations. The feed industry remains the largest consumer of soybeans, with a significant portion sourced from Brazil and the United States, although Spain is gradually increasing domestic production to meet sustainability targets. The biodiesel sector also integrates soybean oil, particularly from non-GMO sources, to support renewable energy initiatives. The market is shaped by trade agreements, environmental policies, and consumer-driven demand for transparency in food sourcing, reinforcing Spain’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and responsible soybean production.

Animal Feed remains the dominant sector, with soybean meal serving as a primary protein source for poultry, swine, and cattle feed formulations. Spain’s livestock industry relies on high-protein soybean meal, sourced both domestically and through imports, to ensure optimal nutrition and feed efficiency. The Food & Beverages segment integrates soybeans into plant-based protein products, soy milk, tofu, and soy-based meat alternatives, catering to the growing demand for sustainable and health-conscious food options. The rise of vegan and vegetarian diets has further accelerated the adoption of soy-based ingredients in processed foods, aligning with consumer preferences for non-GMO and organic soybeans. The Industrial sector utilizes soybean oil in biodiesel production, supporting Spain’s renewable energy initiatives and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Soybean derivatives also find applications in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and chemical manufacturing, where they serve as emulsifiers, stabilizers, and bio-based alternatives to synthetic compounds. Beyond these core applications, soybeans are used in pet food formulations, aquaculture feed, and specialized food processing, ensuring versatility across multiple industries. Spain’s commitment to sustainability and traceability has led to increased investments in deforestation-free soybean sourcing, ensuring compliance with EU environmental regulations. The market is shaped by trade agreements, consumer-driven demand for transparency, and government incentives promoting local soybean cultivation, reinforcing Spain’s position as a key player in the European soybean industry.

Raw soybeans, harvested directly from farms, are primarily used in animal feed formulations, where they provide essential protein and amino acids for poultry, swine, and cattle nutrition. Spain imports a significant portion of raw soybeans, particularly GMO varieties, from Brazil and the United States, ensuring a stable supply for its livestock industry. However, the country is actively promoting domestic cultivation of non-GMO soybeans, aligning with EU sustainability policies and consumer preferences for organic and clean-label food products. Processed soybeans, including soybean meal, soybean oil, and soy-based food products, dominate the market due to their versatility in food and industrial applications. Soybean meal, derived from crushed soybeans, is a critical ingredient in compound feed formulations, ensuring optimal protein content for livestock growth. The food industry integrates processed soybeans into soy milk, tofu, and plant-based protein alternatives, catering to the rising demand for vegan and vegetarian diets. Soybean oil, extracted through mechanical or solvent-based processing, is widely used in cooking, food manufacturing, and biodiesel production, supporting Spain’s renewable energy initiatives. The industrial sector utilizes processed soybean derivatives in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and chemical manufacturing, where they serve as emulsifiers, stabilizers, and bio-based alternatives to synthetic compounds. Spain’s commitment to sustainability and traceability has led to increased investments in deforestation-free soybean sourcing, ensuring compliance with EU environmental regulations.



Direct Sales primarily involve transactions between soybean producers and large-scale buyers, including feed manufacturers, food processors, and biodiesel producers. This channel is favored by major agricultural cooperatives and soybean growers, allowing them to establish long-term contracts with processing units and industrial buyers, ensuring stable pricing and supply security. Direct sales are particularly significant for non-GMO soybean producers, who cater to specialized markets requiring traceability and sustainability compliance. Wholesale distribution plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between importers, processors, and end-users, facilitating bulk transactions for soybean meal, oil, and whole soybeans. Spain’s wholesale market is dominated by large agribusiness firms and commodity traders, ensuring efficient logistics and supply chain optimization. Wholesale distributors source soybeans from domestic farms and international suppliers, particularly from Brazil and the United States, to meet the demand of animal feed producers, food manufacturers, and industrial processors. The retail segment focuses on consumer-oriented soybean products, including soy milk, tofu, soy-based meat alternatives, and cooking oil, catering to the growing demand for plant-based and organic food options. Supermarkets, specialty stores, and online platforms play a vital role in distributing processed soybean products, ensuring accessibility for health-conscious consumers. Spain’s retail sector is witnessing a shift toward sustainable and locally sourced soybeans, driven by EU regulations on deforestation-free supply chains and organic certifications.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Soybean Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Type
• GMO
• Non GMO

By Applications
• Animal Feed
• Food & Beverages
• Industrial
• Other

By Form
• Processed
• Raw

By Distribution Channel
• Direct Sales
• Wholesale
• Retail

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.