Barcelona’s economy
The greater Barcelona area houses about 60% of Catalonia’s 7 million population. Catalonia is one of Spain’s fastest-growing regions, with real economic growth exceeding 3% pa in recent years – GDP/head is now similar to that of Germany. Economically, it is well-diversified, with manufacturing (IT, electronics, autos) generating about 25% of GDP, construction and agriculture about 10%, and services, 65%. Within services, Barcelona is building, with the help of its large sea port and road/rail links, a logistics hub to capture trade with the Far East as well as with the rest of southern Europe – it handles 30% of all Spain’s imports and exports.

Honey Producer
Spain is Europe’s largest honey producer, and this old-established company does everything from beekeeping to packaging.

Wine producer
Unusual in a traditional industry, this is a start-up producer of high-quality wines, with state-of-the-art facilities. Current sales should double.

Rice Processor
Situated right in a unique rice-growing area, this modern factory processes 100,000 tonnes pa., mostly sold under their own brand. Co-operative owned.

Biscuit maker
Family-owned group, employing about 350, producing biscuits and cakes.