The global agri-food sector is facing a highly complex environment in which several pressure factors are converging: extreme weather events, rising production costs, labour shortages and vulnerable supply chains.
This is highlighted in the latest Allianz Trade Sector Atlas, whose shareholder is Solunion, which classifies the risk level of the agri-food industry as “sensitive”. The analysis highlights that, despite the sector’s structurally strong demand and its ability to adapt through technology and innovation, significant challenges remain that could affect companies’ profitability.
According to the report, the agri-food industry is one of the major pillars of the global economy, accounting for 1.2 billion jobs and annual production of around 11 billion tonnes.
Climate and costs put pressure on margins
One of the main challenges identified is the growing impact of adverse weather events, which are generating greater volatility in agricultural yields, affecting the availability of raw materials and increasing risks in the world’s main producing regions.
This situation is compounded by pressure on input costs. Energy, fertilisers, logistics and packaging materials continue to influence companies’ cost structures, reducing operating margins for producers and other players across the food supply chain.
The report also highlights the growing difficulty of finding labour in certain agricultural areas, a problem linked to factors including population ageing and the movement of people towards urban areas.
Supply chains gain strategic importance
The supply chain has emerged as another critical area for the sector. Regulatory changes, fragmentation in international trade, sanitary issues and geopolitical instability are forcing companies to strengthen their resilience strategies.
Against this backdrop, supplier diversification, improved traceability and investment in technology are becoming increasingly important tools for reducing risks and ensuring product availability.
Spain faces similar challenges
In Spain, Solunion identifies pressure factors similar to those observed globally, although with specific characteristics linked to the domestic market.
Among the main challenges are rising energy, logistics and raw material costs, together with the impact of climate change on crops and higher labour costs in a context of reduced availability of skilled workers.
The sector must also contend with the impact of interest rates, which is particularly relevant for an activity with significant financing and working-capital requirements, as well as the uncertainty arising from the geopolitical environment.
Fresh produce maintains its export strength
Within Spain’s agri-food sector, the fresh produce industry continues to play a prominent role thanks to its export capacity. Growth in export value and the trade surplus consolidate international markets as a strategic component.
However, this strength coexists with financial challenges. According to the analysis cited by Solunion, the frequency of payment defaults in the sector has deteriorated since August 2025 and is currently at levels similar to the national average.
The situation points to a need for increased vigilance among companies, particularly in segments where margins are under greater pressure.
Technology and diversification to build resilience
Against this backdrop, companies are adopting different strategies to strengthen their competitiveness. These include supplier diversification, increasing own production, improving quality control and investing in automation and technology.
Manuel Furió, Credit Analyst at Solunion Spain, notes that agricultural producers are moving towards models designed to ensure product availability, improve efficiency and address challenges such as water scarcity.
Manufacturers, meanwhile, are strengthening food safety, traceability and compliance with ESG criteria, while retailers are increasing their focus on credit risk and collections.
The agri-food sector is therefore entering a period in which adaptability will be key to maintaining competitiveness in an environment shaped by greater economic, climate and trade uncertainty.
