The Murcian government’s decision to allocate a significant sum to promote local food companies abroad could shift the balance of power in the export market. For a region where the food industry plays a key role, supporting exports not only means new contracts but also job preservation and strengthening Murcia’s international standing. Amid growing competition in global markets, such measures are especially important for the region’s economic future.
A subsidy of €65,000 is aimed at boosting the international activities of companies that are part of the Agrupal association. This organization brings together one hundred companies from Murcia, Alicante, and Albacete, which account for over 80% of the region’s entire industrial food sector. According to El Espanol, these companies create around 10,000 jobs annually and generate more than €3.3 billion in revenue. Products from southern Spain are already being exported to 175 countries, and new investments will expand delivery destinations and strengthen positions in the markets of Asia, the US, and the UK.
Leaders’ meeting
The issue of export support was discussed at a meeting between the head of the autonomous community, Fernando López Miras, and the new head of Agrupal, Juan Antonio López Abadía. This was their first meeting since Abadía’s appointment in January. Board members of the association, representing all key sectors of the region’s food industry, also attended. During the discussion, both sides emphasized that supporting exports is not only a matter of economics, but also of Murcia’s image as a region capable of competing on the global stage.
According to government representatives, the allocated funds will enable companies to participate in new international exhibitions and forums, where they can present their products to potential partners and investors. Particular attention is being paid to markets where demand for Spanish products is steadily growing, and where competition requires constant innovation and adherence to quality standards.
Focus on innovation
Regional authorities stress that export support is impossible without implementing modern technologies and transitioning to sustainable production. Companies that are part of Agrupal actively invest in digitalization and automation of processes, allowing them to meet the strictest requirements of foreign buyers. According to Minister of Agriculture Sara Rubira, it is precisely innovation and environmental responsibility that have become the main advantages for Spanish producers in the global marketplace.
In recent years, Murcia has demonstrated steady growth in food exports, despite external challenges and changes in the global economy. Regional authorities expect that the new support will not only help retain but also increase the share of local companies in key markets. In this context, the experience of other Spanish regions that have already faced the need for rapid mobilization of resources to support businesses becomes especially relevant. For example, the measures adopted to support businesses in Andalusia following natural disasters, have shown how important it is to respond quickly to challenges and use all available tools to protect the economy.
Context and trends
In recent years, Spanish regions have increasingly relied on targeted subsidies to support exports and promote their goods abroad. This is especially evident in the agri-food sector, where competition with other countries requires constant investment in quality, logistics, and marketing. Such measures have already proven effective: after similar programs were introduced in Valencia and Catalonia, export volumes increased by dozens of percent, and local companies gained access to new markets and technologies.
In 2025, several Spanish autonomous communities announced the launch of new support programs for producers focused on exports to Asia and the Americas. These initiatives include not only financial assistance but also organizing joint stands at international exhibitions, training staff, and implementing digital solutions for supply chain management. This approach not only boosts sales but also raises the visibility of Spanish brands in the global market.
