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Agri-Food Business

Cantabria’s agri-food sector has a structure similar to that of the rest of Spain. It is noteworthy for two sectors:

- Fish preserves: the largest semi-preserves sector in Spain.

- Dairy products: among the most important bovine livestock production in Spain and large processing plants in the region.

In addition, other branches of agri-food production have a significant presence, including other fish products, cocoa and coffee, and packaged bakery products.

The industrial food and beverage sector represents 15.4% of Cantabria’s total industrial volume.

Automotive Components

In Cantabria it is possible to find companies at every step of the automobile industry’s value chain. There is a manufacturer of finished vehicles; several Tier-1, Tier-2 and Tier-3 suppliers; and various companies linked with support services for the industry, primarily logistics, commercial distribution and spare parts.

The sector has experienced extraordinarily dynamic growth in recent years.

Biotechnology Sector

Various activities which are part of the value chain are carried out in Cantabria, primarily in the field of biomedicine. There are a great many companies which are potential users.

In addition, the driving forces of the sector in Cantabria are linked to Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, one of the largest and most prestigious medical facilities in Spain, and the University of Cantabria itself.

Chemicals Sector

Cantabria has a long history in the chemical industry and several production plants belonging to important multinationals.

Most of the companies are located in the Torrelavega area and along the Bay of Santander, the two major centers for chemicals. Both regions have excellent ground transport links and connections with the Port of Santander.

The sector, related primarily with basic chemicals, represents 15% of Cantabria’s industrial activity.