Castilla-La Mancha: Fostering Growth in the Agri-Food Sector

A Flourishing Viticultural Landscape

Castilla-La Mancha stands as a global leader in vineyard acreage, encompassing 49.8% of all Spanish vineyards and nearly 7% of global vineyards in 2017. Recognized for nurturing the growth of businesses in the wine sector, this region significantly influences export rates. Over 50% of Spanish wine exports originate from Castilla-La Mancha, totaling 12.5 million hectoliters in 2021. With more than 3,300 individuals choosing to thrive in viticulture, it remains a vibrant sector within Castilla-La Mancha.

A Diverse and Robust Dairy Industry

While renowned for viticulture, Castilla-La Mancha is also home to a diverse and significant dairy industry and cheese sector. The dairy industry holds a prominent position in the agri-food production of the region, boasting 798 farms and 520,000 Manchego sheep producing nearly 60 million liters of milk annually. Remarkably, 92.5% of this milk is dedicated to the production of Manchego Cheese, a famous Spanish cheese made exclusively from the milk of Manchego sheep. Recognized nationally, the Manchego Cheese Group spans an area of 44,000 km2. Globally acclaimed for its dairy production, Castilla-La Mancha exhibits substantial growth potential in the agri-food industry.

A Hub for Olive Oil Excellence

In addition to its prowess in various agri-food productions, Castilla-La Mancha is a significant contributor to the production of virgin olive oil. The region produces approximately 82,000 tons of virgin olive oil each year, making it the second-largest producer in Spain with 7% of the Spanish production and 3% of global production across more than 400,000 planted hectares.

Supporting Agri-Food Business Growth

Harnessing Talent

Ranked third among Spanish regions with the highest rates of students in vocational training, Castilla-La Mancha prioritizes a hands-on educational approach to cultivate the next generation in agri-food professions. With over 50,000 students enrolled in vocational training, the region offers a choice of 141 different training qualifications.

Optimal Facilities

Castilla-La Mancha provides a diverse range of locations for established or startup agri-food businesses looking to expand their activities. Several thousand square meters of agri-food buildings or processing laboratories are available throughout the region, providing the necessary infrastructure for development and innovation in the agri-food sector.