Introduction – Spain’s Dried Fish Market: A Quantitative Overview
Spain isn’t just known for flamenco, tapas, and sun-soaked beaches—it’s also a major force in Europe’s dried fish industry. In 2024 alone, Spain produced around 23,000 tons of dried or salted fish, making up 14% of the EU’s total output. That places Spain as the third-largest producer in the EU, right behind Portugal and Germany.
But production is only half the story. Spain also flexes its muscles as a key exporter. In 2023, Spanish dried fish exports (excluding smoked fish and cod) hit $33.97 million in value, weighing in at over 858,000 kilograms. Major buyers? Italy, Hong Kong, Germany, China, and France. Italy alone imported more than $17 million worth.
When you zoom out to the European Union, Spain wasn’t just playing in the game—it was helping lead it. Alongside the Netherlands and Sweden, Spain accounted for over 50% of the EU’s dried or salted fish exports in 2024, contributing approximately $75 million to the total $538 million export value.
Globally, Spain competes with big players like Vietnam, India, and Peru, but its strategic location and trade relationships give it a unique edge in the European market.
With the EU’s dried fish market expected to grow steadily—+0.6% CAGR in volume and +2.4% in value up to 2035—Spain is poised to remain a major player, both in volume and value.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Demand Insights
Let’s break things down a little more.
In 2023, Spain exported:
- 858,533 kg of dried fish
- Valued at $33.97 million
Top destinations included:
- Italy – $17.19M, 328,035 kg
- Hong Kong – $10.05M, 39,664 kg
- Germany – $2.46M, 140,372 kg
- China – $1.07M, 54,749 kg
- France – $1.02M, 73,532 kg
What does this tell us? Southern Europe and Asia are key markets for Spanish dried fish. And this demand isn’t just anecdotal. Platforms like Freshdi, a B2B trade intelligence tool, continuously track RFQ (Request for Quotation) volumes, and the trends match the data. Italian and Asian buyers are consistently submitting inquiries for dried fish products from Spain.
Using Freshdi’s RFQ insights, buyers can quickly pinpoint rising demand areas, seasonal spikes, and even discover niche product needs—like organic or low-sodium dried fish.
Top 9 Verified Dried Fish Suppliers in Spain – Proven Export Performers
When it comes to choosing a supplier, data beats guesswork. These 9 suppliers have been verified based on export success, global reach, certifications, and positive buyer feedback on platforms like Freshdi.
Here’s your go-to list of Spain’s best dried fish exporters in Q3 2025:
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TOPFINCH SL
Known for premium-grade products and solid export partnerships across Europe and Asia. -
JACARD PETFOOD, S.L.
Specializes in dried fish for animal nutrition, with a strong foothold in B2B pet food solutions. -
VIAVAL CONSERVAS SL
Offers a wide range of seafood products, including traditional Spanish-style dried fish. -
BIOLOGIA Y NUTRICION 2, S.A.
Combines scientific nutrition with dried marine products for specialized markets. -
Diabaro Agentes Gourmet
Focuses on gourmet and artisanal selections, appealing to high-end buyers and boutique markets. -
Insubusiness Sl
Known for its reliability and scale, ideal for volume-oriented procurement. -
GARJUSAN 2000 S.L.
Veteran exporter with strong logistics and an impressive EU client base.
Dynamic Ranking Note: These suppliers are recognized based on Q3 2025 data. However, Freshdi offers “Suppliers of the Month/Quarter” rankings that reflect current performance, responsiveness, and buyer feedback—so always check for the most up-to-date supplier insights.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Pricing Analysis & Export Dynamics
So, what does the data say about dried fish trends?
Through Freshdi’s market analytics, we see that whole dried fish and filleted options dominate RFQ requests. There’s also a rising trend in low-salt and organic dried fish, especially in Western Europe where health-conscious consumers are driving demand.
Seasonal Pricing Patterns
Dried fish, like many commodities, sees seasonal price shifts:
- Spring and early summer: Prices tend to peak due to higher demand from Mediterranean countries preparing for seafood-heavy tourist seasons.
- Late summer/fall: Prices may dip slightly as supply increases due to seasonal catches.
Freshdi’s historical pricing charts allow buyers to identify the best windows for procurement. For instance, if you’re sourcing in bulk, timing purchases in Q4 might yield better margins.
Export Dynamics
Spain’s export supply chain is well-oiled, with efficient ports in Valencia, Barcelona, and Bilbao. This enables short lead times, especially for intra-EU buyers.
Moreover, Spain’s dried fish suppliers often hold EU-compliant certifications (like IFS, BRC, and HACCP), which smoothens customs and ensures quality assurance.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Informed Procurement
Let’s wrap this up.
Spain continues to shine as a top-tier dried fish exporter in the EU, backed by impressive production figures and strong global demand. From Italy to Hong Kong, Spanish dried fish is being served on tables and in pet bowls around the world.
For buyers, the key to successful procurement lies in:
- Choosing verified suppliers with proven export records.
- Understanding market trends such as seasonal demand or product variants.
- Using platforms like Freshdi to monitor RFQ data, supplier certifications, and real-time pricing.
In short, data is your compass. And when paired with tools like Freshdi, navigating Spain’s dried fish market becomes a whole lot easier—and smarter.
Key Takeaways
- Spain is the #3 producer of dried fish in the EU and a major global exporter.
- Top buyers for Spanish dried fish are Italy, Hong Kong, Germany, China, and France.
- Verified suppliers like TOPFINCH SL and VIAVAL CONSERVAS SL lead the export charts.
- Platforms like Freshdi help buyers stay informed with RFQ trends, supplier vetting, and pricing tools.
Checklist for Dried Fish Buyers
✅ Verify the supplier’s export history
✅ Check certifications (IFS, BRC, HACCP)
✅ Compare seasonal pricing trends
✅ Use Freshdi to track RFQs and demand spikes
✅ Choose suppliers with strong buyer reviews
Future Outlook – What’s Next for Spain’s Dried Fish Market?
With steady growth projected in the EU’s dried fish sector, Spain’s role will only grow stronger. Expect more innovation in product types—like flavored or organic options—and smarter use of digital platforms for trade navigation.
Freshdi is already leading the charge by offering real-time insights, AI-matched supplier recommendations, and dynamic rankings. If you’re a buyer, now’s the time to ride the wave of data-powered sourcing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is Spain such a big player in the dried fish market?
Spain benefits from a long coastline, a strong fishing tradition, modern processing facilities, and excellent export infrastructure.
2. What certifications should I look for in a dried fish supplier?
Look for certifications like IFS, BRC, and HACCP to ensure product safety, quality, and compliance with EU regulations.
3. Where can I find real-time demand and supplier data?
Platforms like Freshdi offer up-to-the-minute data on RFQs, supplier performance, pricing trends, and market movements.
4. How do I choose the right supplier for bulk orders?
Evaluate based on export volume, buyer reviews, certifications, and Freshdi’s Supplier of the Quarter rankings.
5. Are there seasonal advantages to buying dried fish from Spain?
Yes. Prices often dip in late summer and fall, offering better margins for bulk procurement.
References
- IndexBox: EU Dried Fish Market Overview 2024
- WITS Trade Data: Spain 2023 Exports
- Volza: Spain Dried Fish Export Stats
- Freshdi B2B Platform
