Nutriva Alimentación—a Murcia-based company specializing in the artisanal production of 100% natural confit artichokes—has established itself as a key player in the Spanish fruit and vegetable sector. This comes amidst a period of sustained growth in exports of canned vegetables, which reached €1.093 billion in 2025—a 40% increase compared to 2020.
According to INFORMA’s DBK Sector Observatory, the Spanish canned vegetable market grew by 2.3% in 2025, reaching a value of €1.330 billion. Sector exports have seen five consecutive years of growth since 2020, with France, Germany, and Portugal accounting for 45% of the total export volume.
The Murcia region is home to approximately 17% of the 120 companies manufacturing or importing canned vegetables in Spain, standing out for its specialization in high-quality, locally sourced products. The sector is characterized by a mix of small, local producers operating alongside larger companies, with a predominance of Spanish capital and family-owned businesses.
Key market data for 2025
Nutriva Alimentación: differentiation through quality and naturalness
Nutriva Alimentación specializes in the production of confit vegetables—primarily artichokes—working exclusively with fresh, seasonal produce and using 100% natural, artisanal methods free from additives. The company offers products preserved in olive oil, preserving the full aroma and flavor of the local raw ingredients.
The company operates an organic product line aimed primarily at wholesalers and distributors, with the capacity to manufacture custom confit products. Its focus on premium quality and naturalness aligns with 2026 consumer trends, which prioritize real, fresh ingredients of known origin over ultra-processed foods.
2026 Consumer Trends: premium vegetables and mindful eating
Food trends for 2026 show a clear shift toward incorporating more vegetables, legumes, and whole grains into daily diets, alongside the growth of “flexible” plant-based eating that prioritizes natural, minimally processed foods. Consumers increasingly value transparency in production and nutritional balance over quick-fix solutions.
Increasing the consumption of fiber-rich foods is a top nutritional priority driven by growing interest in gut health; this favors products like artichokes, which are notable for their fiber content and digestive benefits. Studies show that a diet rich in plant-based foods can support brain health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Six trends defining plant-based eating in 2026
According to Vegetal/es and organizations such as AINIA and the Good Food Institute, the trends shaping the sector include:
- Science and innovation to win over the discerning consumer
Nutritional quality prioritized over processing
Flavor and transparency in production
Sustainability in production
Personalization becoming the standard
Rejection of ultra-processed foods in favor of real ingredients
Innovation in premium plant-based products
Premium products are increasingly appearing in Spanish shopping baskets; online sales of gourmet products have grown by 55%, according to data from Qapla. Gourmet products are characterized by excellent organoleptic qualities (color, flavor, texture, and aroma) as well as guaranteed food safety and sustainability.
Nutriva’s confit artichokes position themselves within this premium segment, capitalizing on the trend toward high-quality vegetables that appeal to consumers seeking exclusivity and gourmet products, as well as those concerned with sustainable production. The company upholds artisanal production traditions, preserving the original aroma and flavor without added additives.
Domestic competitors and market positioning
Key competitors in the gourmet confit artichoke segment include companies from Murcia such as Caprichos del Paladar, as well as well-known brands like La Chinata, which offer slow-cooked confit artichokes prepared with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). The sector comprises approximately 120 operating companies, with 23% based in Navarre and 17% in Murcia.
Nutriva Alimentación distinguishes itself through its exclusive specialization in confit artichokes, its 100% natural approach, and its capacity for custom manufacturing for wholesalers and distributors. The company maintains direct contact with clients through multiple channels, including telephone (+34 681 366 153) and email (info@nutrivaalimentacion.com).
Agri-food exports and international opportunities
Spain ended 2025 with an agri-food trade surplus; exports totaled €77.227 billion, marking a 4% increase compared to 2024. Exports of Spanish canned vegetables showed strong momentum in Italy (+17.5%) and Belgium (+45.2%) in 2025, although declines were recorded in the United Kingdom (-4.3%) and the United States (-6.9%).
European demand for premium and plant-based canned vegetables is rising, with export values increasing—a trend that favors internationalization strategies focused on quality and differentiation. This environment benefits companies like Nutriva that prioritize high-quality, locally sourced products for demanding international markets.
2026 Agricultural sector trade shows and events
Fruit Attraction 2026, the leading international trade show for the fruit and vegetable sector, will take place from October 6 to 8 at IFEMA MADRID, cementing its status as a key meeting point for the global fruit and vegetable trade. The event brings together the entire value chain to boost exports, generate business, and showcase the latest market innovations.
Alimentaria 2026 will be a key event for the organic sector, featuring a dedicated area—Organic Foods—at the Barcelona exhibition center. These events offer strategic opportunities for companies like Nutriva to present their gourmet products to international buyers and establish new commercial partnerships within the HORECA sector and specialized distribution channels.
Foodservice and HORECA: demand for gourmet plant-based products
The HORECA sector is seeing growing demand for versatile, efficient, and convenient gourmet plant-based products, ranging from ready-to-eat vegetable salads to premium specialties. The hospitality industry faces the challenge of incorporating organic foods and high-quality products that meet the needs of consumers who are increasingly conscious of their health and the origin of their food. Nutriva’s confit artichokes align with this trend, offering a versatile product for the foodservice sector that combines gourmet quality, naturalness, and ease of use in high-end culinary creations. The product is ideal for signature dishes, gourmet tapas, and preparations requiring premium ingredients with authentic flavor and exceptional texture.
Sustainable Agriculture and Local Production
Fruit and vegetable production in southern Spanish greenhouses is constantly evolving to meet the changing tastes and needs of consumers concerned with labor and environmental sustainability. Nutriva Alimentación works with fresh, seasonal produce and local raw materials, ensuring traceability and sustainability throughout the entire production chain.
Nutriva’s artisanal approach—featuring 100% natural products with no added additives—meets the demand for transparency and quality characteristic of 2026 consumers, who value known origins and sustainable production methods.
Market Outlook and Projections
With a turnover approaching €600 million and estimated growth of 10% in 2025, plant-based products have moved beyond being a niche option to become a structural category within the Spanish food market. This environment favors companies specializing in premium plant-based products, such as Nutriva Alimentación, allowing them to capitalize on the trend toward natural, healthy, high-quality foods.
Sector projections indicate that plant-based eating will continue to grow in 2026, albeit with a more flexible, less restrictive approach that prioritizes the inclusion of vegetables, legumes, and whole grains in daily diets. Nutriva is well-positioned to leverage this trend with its range of 100% natural confit artichokes and its ability to adapt to the needs of wholesalers, distributors, and the HORECA channel.
About Nutriva Alimentación
Nutriva Alimentación is a company based in Murcia that specializes in the artisanal production of 100% natural confit artichokes. With a focus on premium quality and sustainability, the company works exclusively with local, seasonal raw materials, maintaining traditional production methods free from added additives. Catering to wholesalers, distributors, and the HORECA channel, Nutriva represents the excellence of the Spanish fruit and vegetable sector within the gourmet segment.
