Story perspectives

Spanish Food Sector Faces Job Decline Amid Growth

9/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Spanish food and beverage sector is evolving post-pandemic, with employment projected at 554,000 in 2024, a 0.5% decline.
Beverage manufacturing increased by 5.1%, now comprising 12.3% of the workforce.
The food industry lost nearly 6,000 jobs in Q2 2025, yet 91% of contracts are permanent.
Concerns arise over generational replacement, with older workers outnumbering younger ones and more employees holding university degrees.
Catalonia leads in employment, with women occupying 41% of food roles, though men remain predominant.

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Story summary

The Spanish food and beverage sector is evolving post-pandemic, with employment projected at 554,000 in 2024, a 0.5% decline.
Beverage manufacturing increased by 5.1%, now comprising 12.3% of the workforce.
The food industry lost nearly 6,000 jobs in Q2 2025, yet 91% of contracts are permanent.
Concerns arise over generational replacement, with older workers outnumbering younger ones and more employees holding university degrees.
Catalonia leads in employment, with women occupying 41% of food roles, though men remain predominant.