Algeria and Spain have taken steps to strengthen their cooperation in the red meat sector, signing two agreements in Algiers to expand their partnership beyond imports. The agreements aim to foster collaboration in areas such as livestock, technology, slaughterhouses, and processing. This development comes as the two countries seek to deepen their economic ties, with Spain being a significant supplier of red meat to Algeria.
In the first half of 2026, Spain exported around 15,000 tonnes of beef and over 8,000 tonnes of sheep meat to Algeria, valued at over €200 million. The agreements were signed between the Algerian company ALVIAR, a subsidiary of the AGROLOG group, and Spanish organizations INTEROVIC and PROVACUNO, as well as the National Union of Red Meat Importers.
The partnerships will facilitate the exchange of information on markets and livestock, as well as the sharing of expertise and competencies. The improvement of animal breeds and logistical cooperation are also key areas of focus. Mohamed Rezgui, CEO of ALVIAR, emphasized that this cooperation offers an opportunity to strengthen exchanges between the two countries in areas such as investment, expertise, value creation, and job creation.
The Algerian side aims to broaden discussions to cover the entire chain, from animal production to processing and distribution. Cristina E. Olazabal Valiente, economic and commercial counselor at the Spanish Embassy in Algiers, noted that Algeria is the primary destination outside the European Union for Spanish exports of beef, sheep, and goat meat.
Spain's ambassador to Algeria, Ramiro Fernandez Bachiller, expressed his country's desire to move beyond mere commercial exchanges and develop sustainable cooperation in livestock. This cooperation could be based on Spain's experience in livestock, agricultural economy, breed improvement, animal health, processing, and product valorization.
ALVIAR has proposed several initiatives to give concrete shape to this cooperation, including the creation of a permanent framework for cooperation between institutions, professionals, and operators from both countries. Other proposals include partnerships in livestock, breed improvement, and fattening, as well as technology transfer and the modernization of slaughterhouses.
The National Union of Red Meat Importers sees this partnership as an opportunity to encourage Spanish operators to invest in Algeria, particularly in modernizing slaughterhouses and developing intensive livestock farming in the south. With Ramadan 2027 approaching, importers are already preparing for the expected surge in demand, with plans to import necessary quantities to avoid supply shortages.
Key points
- Algeria and Spain have signed two agreements to expand cooperation on red meat, focusing on investments, technology, and partnerships.
- The partnerships aim to strengthen exchanges between the two countries in areas such as livestock, processing, and distribution.
- The cooperation is expected to evolve beyond imports, with a focus on sustainable partnerships and investments in the red meat sector.
