Canary Islands Food Expenditure Reaches €1,756.1 Per Person Annually, Slightly Below National Average

The Canary Islands have reported an average annual food expenditure of €1,756.1 per person. This figure is approximately 1.7% lower than the national average for Spain, indicating a unique consumption pattern influenced by local preferences and economic factors.

Insights into Food Spending Patterns

According to the ‘Food in Spain 2025’ report published by Mercasa, a state-owned entity, the allocation of food spending in the Canary Islands reveals intriguing trends. A substantial portion of the budget, specifically 16.8%, is allocated to meat and meat products. Fish products, which are vital to the local diet, account for 8.4% of food spending. Other significant categories include fruits at 10.4%, vegetables at 6.8%, and dairy products at 10.8%.

Comparative Analysis of Food Expenditure

The analysis from Mercasa provides a comparative look at food items that see higher spending in the Canary Islands relative to the national average. Notably, the consumption of bottled water is significantly higher, with an increase of 124.7%. This is followed by juice and nectar, which see a rise of 41.7%, and dairy products at 24.8%. Other items such as chocolate and cocoa also experience an increase of 18.7%, while potatoes are consumed at a rate 26.1% above the national average.

Conversely, spending on fish is notably lower, with a decrease of 26%. Meat spending also trails behind the national average, showing a reduction of 16.5%. Additionally, expenditures on beer and ready meals are lower by 21.1% and 7.2%, respectively, while bread consumption is 6.8% less than the national average.

Annual Consumption Trends in the Islands

Recent data from 2024 highlights the annual consumption habits of individuals residing in the Canary Islands. On average, each person consumes approximately 146 eggs, 34.6 kilos of meat, and 13.3 kilos of fish each year. Dairy consumption is significant, with individuals consuming 55.7 liters of milk and 38.1 kilos of dairy products. Bread consumption stands at 25.8 kilos, while oil usage is recorded at around 10.4 liters.

When it comes to beverages, the average individual consumes about 15.5 liters of beer, 146.7 liters of bottled water, and 42.1 liters of soft drinks and carbonated beverages. Fresh produce consumption is also noteworthy, with individuals consuming 47.4 kilos of vegetables and 76.7 kilos of fruits annually. Ready meals account for 14.5 kilos of the total consumption.

Per capita consumption figures reveal higher rates for dairy products at 17.5%, pastries and cereals at 3.9%, oil at 9.5%, and soft drinks at 21.5%. However, fish consumption is significantly lower, with a decrease of 25.9%, while meat consumption is down by 16.8%. Ready meals also show a decline, down by 15.4%.

Overview of Food Production and Industry in the Region

The ‘Food in Spain 2025’ report provides valuable insights into the agricultural landscape of the Canary Islands, which is recognized as a leading region in Europe for banana production, utilizing approximately 9,000 hectares for this crop. The region boasts a robust agri-food sector, with 941 agri-food companies and over 3,034 establishments dedicated to food and beverage sales. This includes 1,054 supermarkets and 45 hypermarkets, reflecting a diverse retail environment.

In the hospitality sector, the Canary Islands are home to 6,285 restaurants and 7,256 bars, which represent 7.5% and 4.4% of the total establishments in Spain, respectively. The report also highlights the variety of quality labels and designations of origin present in the region, showcasing a wide array of certified food and beverage products that contribute to the local economy and culinary identity.