The herbal medicine market - Spain

Up to 2019, the herbal medicine market experienced significant growth, with the Spanish production of aromatic, medicinal, and condiment plants expanding at an average CAGR of 36% from 2016. The value chain involved multiple stakeholders, including large pharmaceutical companies, specialized herbalists, and organic farmers. The herbal medicine market, characterized by a lack of stringent regulation, had been responding to consumer demand for natural, less chemically-intensive treatments, with a significant segment of the Spanish population using herbal remedies for various health issues. The growth trajectory suggested by previous years indicates that the market could have continued its upward trend beyond 2019, potentially doubling in size over a ten-year period from 2017 as forecasted by Hexaresearch, especially given the increasing preference for organic and natural products among consumers in Spain and Europe. However, without specific post-2019 figures, these are speculative conclusions based on the earlier momentum.

Demand Analysis for Spain's Blossoming Herbal Medicine Market

In recent years, Spain has witnessed a burgeoning interest in natural products and preventive healthcare, significantly influencing the demand for herbal medicine. This trend aligns with the global shift toward organic, transparent, and sustainable health solutions. A noteworthy statistic indicates that between 68 and 70% of Spaniards utilize herbal remedies for various ailments ranging from digestive issues to sleep and nervous system disorders. This substantial percentage reflects a societal inclination towards alternative therapeutic options that are perceived as less toxic and chemical-laden than conventional medicine. The preference for herbal medicine extends to the food supplement sector as well. As of 2017, herbal supplements represented nearly 25% of the total European market for food supplements. In Spain, the majority of consumers view herbal medicines more as a supplement to conventional treatment rather than a standalone alternative, with only about 6% having been prescribed an herbal remedy by a physician. The consumers' choices are deeply influenced by their faith in the product's safety, recommendations from herbalists, and positive personal past experiences. The organic farming market, which has been experiencing a robust annual growth between 10 to 15% from 2017 to 2019, has indirectly fueled the demand for medicinal plants. Spain boasts the largest organic farming area in Europe, with over 2.2 million hectares. This substantial organic footprint contributes high-quality medicinal plants to both the domestic and international markets. Moreover, the country's millennials, who account for approximately 30% of organic consumers, display a growing appetite for healthier and more ecologically sound products. Underscoring the demand dynamics is the consumers' earnest concern for naturalness and sustainability. Approximately 70% of the Spanish population prioritize the natural and sustainable attributes of products, with Spain ranking second in Europe for its population's concern for natural products. This considerable demand dovetails with the expansion in the Spanish production of aromatic, medicinal, and condiment plants, which soared with an astonishing average Compound Annual Growth Rate of 36% from 2016 to 2019. This mounting interest in herbal remedies has not gone unnoticed, prompting changes in the regulatory framework. With the publication of Royal Decree 130/2018, Spain has expanded the list of authorized substances in food supplements, aiming to better regulate the vitamin and mineral content in these products. The decree has introduced much-needed clarity and alignment with other European nations, which will likely continue to support the strong foundation for demand and further growth in the herbal medicine market.

Key Players Shaping the Spanish Herbal Medicine Landscape

As the Spanish herbal medicine market continues to flourish, certain key entities stand out for their contributions and influence within the industry. These players shape the market's landscape through their expertise in cultivation, distribution, and innovation in herbal products.

• HERBEX IBERIA S.L.: Based in the province of Almería, Herbex Iberia is a leading force in the field, known for its dedication to cultivating a wide range of high-quality aromatic, medicinal, and condiment plants. With a robust presence in southern Spain, this company leverages the region's favorable climate to produce herbs that are not only popular on the national scale but also command attention in the international markets.
• LESMES ALOECANARIAS S.L.: Situated in the Canary Islands, Lesmes Aloecanarias specializes in the cultivation of Aloe Vera, taking advantage of the archipelago's unique climate to grow plants renowned for their health benefits. Their focus on the aloe plant has garnered them a special place in the niche of natural remedies, particularly catering to consumers keen on skincare and digestive health products.
• BIONORICA EXTRACTS S.L.: With a meticulous approach to combining traditional knowledge with modern science, Bionorica Extracts engages in the process of transforming natural botanicals into high-potency extracts. Based in the Balearic Islands, they have carved a niche for themselves by concentrating on herbal extracts, which play a crucial role in developing many herbal medicines.
• FUTURPLANT S.L.: Operating from Valencia, Futurplant is noted for their innovative approaches to the cultivation of medicinal plants. Their practices ensure sustainability and high-quality yields, contributing to the burgeoning demand for herbal remedies and positioning them as vital players in the sector.
• TENERIFRESH S.L.: Hailing from Tenerife, Tenerifresh is another prime example of a company excelling in the field of aromatic and medicinal plant production. Their commitment to freshness and quality resonates well with the consumers seeking natural products straight from the fertile soils of the Canary Islands.
• ANDALUZA DEL CAMPO S.L.: This Almería-based company prides itself on the distribution of top-grade medicinal plants and also plays a prominent role in the sector due to its significant production levels. Their expertise in understanding market needs makes them a critical supplier within the value chain. 

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : ~ 40 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 14/12/2021

Summary and extracts

List of charts presented in this market study

• Chiffre d'affaires du marché mondial de la phytothérapie
• Répartition du marché mondial des médicaments à base de plantes
• Production récoltée en humidité standard UE de plantes aromatiques, médicinales et condimentaires
• Evolution des rendements en humidité standard UE pour les plantes aromatiques, médicinales et condimentaires
• Superficie dédiée à la culture de plantes aromatiques, médicinales, et condimentaires
• Breakdown of the European dietary supplements market by product
• Evolution de la taille de marché de l'agriculture biologique
• Evolution des réponses : Achetez-vous ou avez-vous acheté des produits biologiques et/ou écologiques ?