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Summary of our market study
Since 2020, the oyster market has exhibited various trends globally and within Spain. The global oyster production market was valued at approximately $1.7 billion in 2021, with an expected annual growth of +5.5% leading up to 2030. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, which affected sales due to restaurant closures, the Spanish market saw a significant rebound in 2021 with a +40% increase in sales value after a -27% drop. The Spanish market itself grew by +186% from 2008 to 2022. Domestic production in Spain also reflected this growth, with 10.8 million kilos sold in 2022, a price index of €4.8/kilo indicating an increase of +151% since 2005. International trade reveals France as both the top importer of Spanish oysters and the leading exporter to Spain, highlighting the interconnectedness of European oyster markets.
In terms of types, the Japanese oyster (Crassostrea gigas) led in Spanish production with 494 tons, while the flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) followed with 268 tons in 2020. Despite a decline in overall aquaculture employment, the sector remains significantly male-dominated, and regulations continue to guide cultivation practices and designated areas (e.g., Puerto de Sagunto and Santa Pola). Key players in the market range from local producers such as Ostras de Valencia, with €1 million in sales, to renowned French houses and dining establishments, including Maison Gillardeau and the Mercado San Miguel in Madrid, which had revenues of €4.3 million.
Trends in Spain's Oysters Market: A Surge in Demand and Culinary Preference Shift
Spain's oyster market has experienced significant growth in recent years, with the value of oyster sales seeing a notable increase. The market's buoyancy is underpinned by a surge in demand, particularly for the Edulis or flat oysters from the Atlantic, Galician oysters, and Belons from Brittany. This growth trajectory is illustrated by a remarkable 145% increase in sales value between 2008 and 2021, indicating a strong and expanding market for these aquatic delicacies. Despite the fluctuations resulting from factors like harvest variations and changes in consumer behavior during crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the Spanish market for oysters has shown resilience and recovery. From an international perspective, Spain is not just a consumer but also an active player in the oyster trade. The country exports a significant volume, with France being the leading importer of Spanish oysters, bringing in more than 40% of the total export value which is in the region of 35 to 40 million euros. In stark contrast, however, imports into Spain are substantially less, with France again being the primary origin of these imports.
The domestic scene is characterized by an impressive doubling in the volume of oysters sold from 2008 to 2022, reaching totals in the tens of millions of kilos. In terms of consumption patterns, Spaniards show a clear preference for oysters during certain times of the year. December is a pinnacle month where half of the world's oyster consumption is recorded, influenced heavily by festive celebrations and optimal harvesting conditions. As far as consumer venues are concerned, the traditional marisquerías remain popular, but there's been a diversification towards more modern settings such as oyster bars, which have seen a rise in popularity in urban centers like Barcelona. This cultural shift suggests an evolving palate among Spanish consumers in tandem with global gastronomic trends. Aquaculture serves as a significant sector of employment in Spain, with thousands of annual work units reported.
Key Players in the Spanish Oyster Market
Spain's oyster market is as diverse as it is robust, featuring a range of players from local producers to international giants and upscale dining venues to innovative oyster bars. Each entity brings its unique flavor to the industry, catering to the various preferences and consumption habits of oyster aficionados across Spain and beyond.
- Ostras de Valencia is one such local producer, nestled within the bountiful waters of Valencia, which has made its mark by specializing in the cultivation and sale of premium oysters. They have effectively tapped into the local market, bringing the freshness of the sea straight to Spanish tables.
- On a grander scale, France's Maison Gillardea and Maison Daniel Sorlut represent the touch of international expertise and prestige. These French powerhouses have a longstanding tradition of oyster farming, known for their meticulously bred oysters which are a fixture in the fine dining space.
- Back in Valencia, Civera stands as a bastion of seafood excellence in the restaurant scene. Their status as a top-tier "Marisquería" attracts seafood lovers seeking the quintessential Spanish experience of enjoying fresh oysters in a traditional setting.
- Ostras Pedrin, with establishments in Valencia and Madrid, caters to the chic and modern, offering a more casual yet sophisticated oyster bar ambiance. These venues combine the allure of a tasting experience with the accessibility of a local favorite spot.
- Barcelona's Fishhh to go represents a melding of inspiration, borrowing from the concept of the American oyster bar to serve up fresh shellfish delights in a grab-and-go format, illustrating the market's adaptability to changing consumer lifestyles.
- Also in Barcelona, Gouthier is recognized as an early innovator in the oyster bar scene, having established itself back in 2005. Their enduring presence attests to the Spanish market's appreciation for venues dedicated to oyster indulgence.
- The brand Amélie Oysters has made a name for itself not only for its fine oysters but for sensationalizing the oyster experience with their "Amélie Experience" showcases, displaying an array of flavors that draw in those looking to venture beyond the traditional.
- Finally, Madrid's Mercado San Miguel offers more than just a marketplace—it's a hub for gourmands seeking variety, including those pristine oysters that have become synonymous with luxury and celebration in the culinary world.
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Summary and extracts
1 Market overview
1.1 Definition and presentation of the oyster market
Oysters are marine mollusks found anchored on rocks, and can be bred in dedicated oyster beds. They are mainly farmed on the coast, near lagoons. Oysters have a high commercial value and are mainly consumed from September to April in the European Union.
On a global scale, China overwhelmingly dominates production, with over 80% of the world total, far ahead of South Korea, the United States and Japan. Europe accounts for just 2% of world production, with France leading the way with around 82% of the total, ahead of the UK (11%) and Spain (3%).
In Spain, the oyster market has seen strong growth in recent years, with sales value up 145% between 2021 and 2008[Statista]. The market has really taken off since 2016, almost doubling between 2016 and 2021. Edulis or flat oysters from the Atlantic are the most sought-after, along with oysters from Galicia and Belons from Brittany. Imports also remain dynamic, with Spain accounting for over 10% of total imports within the European Union.
1.2 Global market
In ****, the size of the global oyster production market was in the region of*.* billion dollars. Growth is forecast at +*.*% per year until ****. The Asia-Pacific region accounts for over **% of these revenues. **% of total revenues are generated by the foodservice sector, which is explained by the fact that oysters are frequently used in dishes in Asian countries such as Japan, China and Korea.
trends in oyster market size World, ****-****, US$ million Source: ****
1.3 Spanish market
Income from the oyster industry varies from year to year. Indeed, some years can be bad from a harvest point of view, others from that of Spanish consumption. For example, oyster consumption fell sharply in ****, as Spaniards stayed home more often due to the health crisis. The value of sales therefore fell by -**% between **** and ****, before rebounding by +**% in ****. Between **** and ****, the sector grew by +***%, which means it almost tripled from total sales of €**.* million to €**.* million.
oyster sales by value Spain, ****-****, € million Source: ****
1.4 International trade
It's interesting to note which are the biggest producers in Europe. France sold €***.* million worth of oysters in ****, accounting for almost **% of total European revenues for this product. Sales on the continent totaled €***.* million. Spain comes second, generating €**.* million, or **.*% of the total.
Share of total oyster sales revenue by country Europe, ****, % of total Source: ****
Let's now turn our attention to Spain's trading partners in this market.
Oyster sales data are grouped under HS code *****. However, they are not presented on the UN Comtrade website. We will therefore refer to the data corresponding to HS code ******: "Oysters, dried/salted/brined/smoked, whether or not cooked before/during smoking"
Destination of oyster exports by country Spain, ****, % Source: ****
The leading importer of Spanish oysters is France. This country imports €**.* million worth of oysters, i.e. **% of the €**.* million exported.
Total imports are much lower, at just €***,***. Here again, France is the leading trading partner, with €***,*** worth of oysters exported to Spain, i.e. **% of the total.
Origin of oyster imports by country Spain, ****, % of total Source: ****
Spanish oyster exports increased by +**% between **** and ****. In contrast, oyster imports have fallen by -**%.
evolution of the balance of trade on the oyster market Spain, ****-****, ...
1.5 Consequences of Covid-19
As oysters are most often eaten in restaurants, or even hotels, their sales were severely affected by the closures linked to the health crisis. Among seafood products, mussels also bore the brunt of the sanitary restrictions, for the same reasons. In Spain, however, the habit of consuming canned mussels helped to sustain demand. In fact, retail sales rose, as did imports of this product, from **,*** tonnes to **,*** tonnes.The slowdown in demand for Spanish oysters is due more to the slowdown in demand in France, the main importer. France also saw its exports fall by -**%, losing its position as the world's leading exporter to China. In Spain, retail sales fell by -*.*%. Producers reduced their output accordingly.
Change in bivalve consumption due to Covid-** Spain, ****-****, % Source: ****
2 Demand analysis
2.1 Consumption and cyclicity
Spain is Europe's fourth-largest seafood consumer, with *.* out of ** Spaniards eating fish and seafood every week. In total, each person consumes ** kilos of seafood per year, one of the highest rates on the planet. [***] This figure fluctuates from year to year, but remains stable.
Fish and seafood consumption Spain, ****-****, kg/person/year Source: ****
December is the month in which **% of the world's oyster consumption takes place. This is due not only to the festive season, but also to the fact that this is the most favorable time of year for harvesting. In fact, in summer, the high temperatures alter the texture, which displeases consumers. [***]
Price variations in the run-up to the festive season Spain, ****, % Source: ****
In Spain, the ideal tasting period extends into April, when the "Oyster Festival" takes place in Arcade, a town in the province of Pontevedra in Galicia, a pioneer in Europe in the consumption and trade of oysters. These festivities have been declared to be of tourist interest. [***]
2.2 Consumption of canned seafood
Oysters are not the products most concerned, unlike mussels, but Spaniards are accustomed to eating canned seafood. Spain is Europe's leading producer of canned fish and seafood, and the world's second largest. [***]
Seafood consumption patterns Spain, ****, % [elDiario Source: ****
2.3 Household consumption
Spanish households consumed almost €* million worth of fish and seafood in ****, representing **% of their total food expenditure (***). This corresponds to an annual expenditure of €*** per person, for a consumption of almost ** kg. These results are part of a downward trend. [***]
Consumption of fresh fish accounts for **% of the total, while fresh seafood accounts for **% of total revenue, frozen seafood for **% and cooked seafood for *%.
Value breakdown of aquatic products consumed by households Spain, ****, % Source: ****
below, the same breakdown but according to volumes consumed. It can be seen that processed products add more value.
Breakdown by volume of aquatic products consumed by households Spain, ****, % Source: ****
Finally, it's interesting to know where Spaniards make their seafood purchases. Self-service supermarkets are favored, since **% of fish and seafood is bought in these outlets.
Breakdown of seafood purchases by distribution channel Spain, ****, % Source: ****
2.4 Consumer habits
Traditionally, Spaniards eat oysters in seafood restaurants called marisquerías. However, new consumption venues are emerging, such as oyster bars. Highly developed in the United States, they have been expanding in Spain over the past few years. Below is a list of the most famous of these establishments in Barcelona:
Source: ****
3 Market structure
3.1 Domestic production
It's interesting to consider the volume in kilos of oysters sold in Spain. In ****, the oyster industry sold **.* million kilos of oysters. This is almost twice the volume sold in ****, and four times more than in ****.
change in volume of oysters sold in millions of kilos Spain, ****-****, million kilos Source: ****
Comparison of the sales value curve and the sales volume curve yields a price index corresponding to the theoretical unit price. However, this figure does not reflect reality, since oysters are sold on the market in smaller quantities and at higher prices. Nevertheless, this index enables us to assess the increase in the unit price of oysters in Spain. In ****, this index was €*.*/kilo, i.e. two and a half times the price recorded in ****(***).
oyster price trends Spain, ****-****, €/kilo Source: ****
3.2 Operations and employment
The number of aquaculture businesses in Spain has fluctuated widely in recent years, returning to its **** level in ****. In ****, this number exceeded *,*** establishments.
evolution of the number of aquaculture establishments Spain, ****-****, unit Source: ****
Aquaculture employed **, *** people in Spain in ****, corresponding in practice to *,*** annual work units (***). Most of these were unsalaried, i.e. *,*** people.
Distribution of aquaculture employment by occupational category Spain, ****, % Source: ****
These figures are declining, since by **** they had fallen to **,*** people, for *.** full-time equivalents. [***].
It should also be noted that the majority of these jobs are held by men. In ****, **. *% of workers in the aquaculture sector were men (***). Women are more heavily represented in administrative positions.
Distribution of jobs by gender Spain, ****, % (***) Source: ****
3.3 Oyster cultivation by type
Two oyster species are cultivated in Spain: the flat oyster (***). In ****, total production was *** tonnes, worth *.* million euros.
Source: ****
4 Offer analysis
4.1 The different types of oyster
There are two main categories of oyster: European oysters, which are flatter and more refined, and Japanese oysters, which are fuller-bodied and less expensive.
Source: ****
In recent years, French oysters, mostly of the Japanese variety, have been gaining ground on the Spanish market, to the detriment of local flat oysters, particularly from Galicia. [***] Indeed, in the **s, the oyster population in France suffered greatly, prompting producers to cultivate the Pacific variant. They became popular in Spain in the ****s, notably with the establishment of Daniel Sorlut at Madrid's Mercado San Miguel.
Oysters can also be differentiated by size. There are * sizes, based on weight:
Source: ****
4.2 Prices
Galician oysters (***) are priced from €*.** to €*.** per unit, depending on size. They are sold by the case, usually *.
source : Mariscos Gontelo
However, it's worth noting that retail prices are much higher than selling prices per kilo. According to the Spanish Aquaculture Business Association(***), the price of Japanese oysters is €*.**/kg. The price of European oysters is €*.**/kg
5 Regulations
5.1 Normative framework
The areas where oyster cultivation is authorized are published in the Boletín Oficial del Estado (***). For the Valencian Community, the zones are as follows:
Puerto de Sagunto ; Puerto de Valencia - Recinto nuevo ; Puerto de Valencia - Gità ; Tavernes-Dénia ; Santa Pola.
These production areas for molluscs and other invertebrates have been defined by the autonomous communities on the basis of the normative framework of the"Orden de ** diciembre de ****." Its most recent update is the"Orden APA/***/****, de * de agosto." These documents concern Spanish coastal exploitation rights. [***]
In addition, oyster production is regulated by"Regulation (***) No ***/****", which standardizes production conditions:
Oysters must be grown in bags on trestles; Producers must take care to avoid the formation of a barrier along the entire coastline; Production will be optimized by paying close attention to tidal flows. [***]
6 Positioning the players
6.1 Player segmentation
- Huîtres Amélie
- Ostras de Valencia
- Gillardeau Maison
- Maison Daniel Sorlut
- Civera
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