Spain

Spain, officially known as the Kingdom of Spain is a large country located in Southern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. It is known for its rich history, culture, vibrant festivals, passionate flamenco dancing, delicious cuisine, and iconic architectural heritage. Spain shares its land borders with five countries: France to the northeast, Portugal to the west, Andorra between France and Spain, Gibraltar (a British Overseas Territory) to the south, and  Morocco, across the borders of Spain’s North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. The country is also surrounded by water on three sides, including the Mediterranean Sea to the east and southeast, the  Atlantic Ocean to the northwest and southwest, Bay of Biscay to the north. This strategic coastal position enhances Spain’s maritime trade and tourism.

Spain is not only a top tourist destination but also a key player in global trade and manufacturing across sectors such as food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, animal feed, textiles, and chemicals. The manufacturing industries of Spain play a major role in its GDP. In the manufacturing of any product, various components are crucial. Some components help in the manufacturing of the product, while others help in shaping and giving an appealing look to the product. One of those components is Colour. It gives a vibrant and appealing look to products that attracts the attention of consumers and boosts product sales and brand recognition in the market.

Although Spanish manufacturers prepare colours, it's not sufficient to fulfill all the colour-related demand of the country. To capitalise on this gap, many big colour merchants, distributors, and traders import high-quality synthetic food colours and natural food colours at low prices from other countries and sell them at high prices in the country, and make a profit on each sale. Some colour merchants, distributors, and traders sell the colourant under the same brand name as the colours they bought, while others create their own labels and sell their own branding. Some countries that export colours to Spain include India, China, Germany, France, and the United States of America.

In Spain, there are several industries where colours play a vital role due to their impact on aesthetics and product appeal. Here are some industries where colours are particularly significant:

Spanish manufacturers of food and beverages face many challenges in selecting the right colour for their products. Colour is a key factor that influences consumer preferences, perceptions, and purchase decisions. However, achieving the desired colour while ensuring quality, stability, and compliance with regulations can be difficult. That's why many manufacturers opt for synthetic colours, which offer several benefits over natural colours. Synthetic colours are artificial colours that are prepared by chemicals. They have high colour intensity, consistency, versatility, and extended shelf life. They can help manufacturers achieve vibrant and attractive hues that appeal to consumers and match market trends. Synthetic colours also ensure product stability and longevity, which is important for food safety and quality. Synthetic colours can boost the sales of food and beverage products in Spain by making them more attractive and appealing to consumers. Spain is a major market for food and beverage products, with a large population and a high demand for diverse and quality products. Spain also has a rich and varied culinary culture, with regional specialties and preferences. Most of the food manufacturing industries of Spain are located near Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Bilbao, and Zaragoza. According to Statista, the revenue of food market of Spain is amount to US$123.48 billion in 2025, and it is expected to grow annually by 3.92% (CAGR 2025-2030).

One of the challenges cosmetics manufacturers face in Spain is selecting the right colours for their products. Colours play a decisive role in the marketing of a cosmetic product, as they attract consumers and convey brand identity. However, choosing the right colours is not easy, as they have to match the preferences and expectations of different markets, cultures, and seasons. Moreover, colours have to be stable and resistant to light, heat, water, and other environmental factors that can affect their appearance and quality. Synthetic cosmetic colours can be the right solution for this problem, as they offer several benefits to cosmetics manufacturers. These premium-quality cosmetic pigments are artificially prepared in laboratories from chemical compounds. They have bright and consistent colours that can be produced in a wide range of shades. They are stable and resistant to water and other chemicals, making them suitable for use in various types of cosmetics and personal care products such as lipsticks, foundations, creams, body lotions, shampoos, gels, and soaps. Synthetic colours also have a longer shelf life than natural colours, which can degrade over time. Synthetic colours can help cosmetics manufacturers in Spain boost their sales and make their products stand out in the competitive market. By using synthetic cosmetic colours, they can create attractive and innovative products that appeal to different segments of consumers. Synthetic colours can also enhance the quality and safety of cosmetic products, as they are tested for their purity, toxicity, and allergenicity. Spain is one of the manufacturers of cosmetics products that has a large number of cosmetics manufacturing industries located near Catalonia, Madrid, Valencia, Andalusia, and Galicia. According to Statista, the revenue of the cosmetics market of Spain is projected to reach US$487.77 million in 2025, and it is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2029) of 7.54%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$652.41 million by 2029.

Choosing the right colours for pharmaceutical products is a common challenge for Spanish manufacturers. Colours can serve different purposes in pharmaceuticals, such as improving patient compliance, identification, protection, and branding. However, many factors affect colour selection, such as stability, cost, availability, and regulations. One of the possible solutions is to use synthetic colours. Synthetic colours are artificial substances that can give pharmaceutical products a variety of bright and appealing colours. Synthetic food-grade colours have benefits such as good chemical and light stability, low cost, high availability, and easy application. In Spain, many large distributors import colourants from other countries and then distribute them to companies. Some distributors sell these colourants under the original brand name, while others create their own labels and sell them under their own branding. Some of the main locations of the pharmaceutical manufacturing industries in Spain are Catalonia, Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao, and Seville. These cities have a high concentration of pharmaceutical companies, research centers, universities, and hospitals that support the growth and innovation of the sector.  According to Statista, the revenue of the pharmaceutical market of Spain is estimated to reach US$15.84 billion in 2025, and the market will experience an annual growth rate of 4.02% (CAGR 2025-2029), resulting in a market volume of US$18.54bn by 2029.

Spanish chocolate makers need to pick the right colours for their products. Colours can change how chocolates look, taste, and last. They can also influence what customers want and expect. Synthetic colours can help with this issue because they have many options of colours that can fit the chocolates' flavor and texture. Synthetic colours are good for the Spanish chocolate industry because they are safe to eat, even for kids who may be allergic or intolerant to natural colours. They also make the chocolates more colourful and attractive, which can draw more buyers, especially women who often buy chocolates as gifts or snacks. By using synthetic colours, Spanish chocolate makers can sell more, improve their reputation and stand out their products in the competitive market. Colourant sellers in Spain buy colourants from local or foreign colourant manufacturers at low prices. They sell these colourants to different sectors such as food and drinks, cosmetics and personal care products, and medicine, at higher prices, making money on each deal. They may also give discounts or rewards to get more customers. Colourant sellers can boost their sales and income by keeping track of their stock and offering good customer service. Ajanta Food Colours is a reliable producer of food colourants that offers top-quality colourants at a reasonable price. Many sellers and distributors pick Ajanta because they appreciate its quality and affordability. Some of the areas where chocolate making is focused in Spain are Catalonia, Valencia, Andalusia, and Extremadura. According to Statista, the revenue of the chocolate confectionery market of Spain amounts to US$1.92 billion in 2025, and the market is expected to grow annually by 4.85% (CAGR 2025-2030).

Choosing the best colours for animal feed is a difficult task for Spanish manufacturers. Colours can influence the customer's decision and the feed's quality. Natural colours may look good, but they have many disadvantages, such as low stability, high variability, scarce supply, and high price. Synthetic colours are a better option, as they are more stable, uniform, cheap, and flexible than natural colours. They can also create a variety of colours to match different kinds of animal feed. Synthetic colours can help Spanish manufacturers increase their sales, as they can make unique and attractive products that differentiate from others and create brand loyalty. Synthetic colours are also safe and legal for animal feed, as they follow the European Union regulations and standards. Furthermore, synthetic colours can help buyers distinguish between different types of animal feed, such as poultry, swine, or cattle. The animal feed industry is an important part of the Spanish economy, as it supports the production of animal products such as meat, dairy, eggs, etc. Spain is one of the top producers of animal feed in Europe, with a big and varied market that serves different animals and segments. Some of the main regions where animal feed industries are located in Spain are Catalonia, Andalusia, Castile and Leon, Galicia, and Aragon. According to Statista, the revenue of the pet food market of Spain amounts to US$2.24 billion in 2025. The market is expected to grow annually by 4.73% (CAGR 2025-2030).

Spain is a country with a rich and diverse culture, where colours play an important role in expressing emotions, values, and traditions. Different colours can evoke different feelings and moods in Spain, such as blue for trust and calm, red for passion and adventure, yellow for wealth and happiness, and green for nature and serenity. Spanish manufacturers are aware of these cultural preferences and use colours strategically in their products to attract customers, boost sales and create a brand identity for their products. For example, some of the most popular food and beverage products in Spain are red and yellow. Red is a colour that stimulates appetite, conveys energy, and attracts attention. Similarly, cosmetics products often use yellow or gold to highlight their quality, luxury, and elegance. Yellow is a colour that symbolizes wealth, status, and optimism. However, not all colours have the same meaning or appeal in Spain as they do in other countries. For instance, purple is a colour that is associated with mourning and death in Spain, especially during Holy Week. Therefore, it is not a common colour for products or marketing campaigns in Spain. Likewise, white is a colour that is often used for weddings and purity in Western cultures, but in Spain, it is also a colour that represents surrender and defeat. Therefore, Spanish manufacturers may avoid using white for products that are meant to convey strength, confidence, or success.

Colours, whether synthetic or natural, must be approved by the respective government authority in each country. In Spain, the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) oversees the safety of colourants in food products, while the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) regulates their use in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. These agencies ensure the quality and safety of colours used in consumer products.

AESAN and AEMPS conduct thorough evaluations and testing of colour additives, providing approvals and monitoring their usage according to European Union regulations. For manufacturers, adhering to these guidelines is crucial to ensure legal compliance and protect their businesses from potential risks. By following these regulations, manufacturers can guarantee the safety and quality of their products, build consumer trust, and foster a positive reputation in the market.

Starting a new business in the Spanish market is also a challenging task. Startup businesses have to compete with businesses who are already operate in the market. Startups can overcome their many problems and stand out in the competitive market by using high-quality synthetic food colours in their products. Synthetic colours come in various colour shades that allow startups to make unique coloured products, helping in product differentiation. Synthetic colours are an affordable option compared to other colour alternatives, helping startups to launch their products at competitive prices that increase sales.

If you are a manufacturer or startup in Spain seeking premium-quality synthetic food colours that can enhance your product appeal and market performance, Ajanta Food Colours is your ideal sourcing partner. With over 75 years of industry experience, Ajanta is a globally trusted name in colourant manufacturing. The company supplies high-quality, compliant synthetic colours to several European countries, including Spain.

Ajanta Food Colours is an ideal partner for Spanish businesses seeking a reliable colours exporter. The company offers competitive prices, timely delivery, customized solutions, and technical support, ensuring cost-effectiveness and a smooth customer experience. With a wide range of colours and applications, Ajanta meets diverse market needs. Their consistent quality and performance build lasting trust with customers.

Ajanta has earned various certifications proving its commitment to quality and safety standards. These include FDA approval, ISO 9001:2015 certification for quality management, HACCP certification for food safety, HALAL certification for compliance with Islamic dietary laws, KOSHER certification for Jewish dietary laws, and more.

To learn more about Ajanta Food Colours and its Supra range of colours, or for further information, please contact us today!