- Grupo IFA generates a driving effect that boosts the economy, as every euro generated directly results in a positive economic impact of €3.6 across its entire value chain.
- IFA ranks among the top 5 companies driving employment in Spain, with 82,570 direct employees and a total contribution of 278,900 indirect and induced jobs.
- 25% of all supermarkets in Spain belong to Grupo IFA, and over 1,800 of its stores are located in municipalities with fewer than 10,000 inhabitants, covering 85% of the Spanish population.
Madrid, April 10, 2025 – Grupo IFA reaffirms its role as a key player in the development of the food distribution sector in Spain and stands as one of the main engines of the national economy. According to the Economic, Social and Environmental Impact Report of Grupo IFA in Spain in 2023, prepared by professional services firm KPMG, IFA’s contribution to the national GDP amounts to €12.331 billion, representing 0.8% of the total—equivalent to financing seven years of rural development measures under the CAP.
The report, presented at CEOE headquarters, featured speakers such as Antonio Garamendi (President of CEOE) and José Miguel Herrero Velasco (Director General of Food at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food), among others.
In line with the report’s key findings, it reveals that the economic impact of Grupo IFA’s activity exerts a stronger driving effect than any other sector, influencing multiple areas (food and beverages, auxiliary services, scientific and technological services) and strengthening the overall productive fabric. Specifically, for every euro paid in profits and salaries, the group generates a positive economic impact of €3.6 throughout its supply chain. Likewise, IFA contributes €3.798 billion to public coffers, equivalent to 42% of the Ministry of Agriculture’s 2023 budget.
Employment Impact
With 82,570 direct employees in Spain—more than the population of Gandía—Grupo IFA ranks among the top 5 companies contributing to national employment. Its activity supports the creation and maintenance of 278,900 jobs, equivalent to 35% of total employment in Spain’s agricultural sector. This means that for every direct employee, Grupo IFA generates 2.4 additional jobs in its value chain.
Territorial Cohesion
Grupo IFA also stands out as a territorial integrator. It leads Spain in commercial surface area with 4.1 million square meters and 6,488 establishments, representing 25% of all supermarkets nationwide. Beyond being the top operator in 20 provinces—including Madrid and Barcelona—IFA is present in many rural areas. Over 1,800 of its stores are located in municipalities with fewer than 10,000 inhabitants, making it a key ally for local economies. Its extensive reach allows it to serve 85% of the Spanish population, ensuring access to quality products even in sparsely populated regions.
Commitment to Diversity, Training, and Talent Retention
Grupo IFA not only excels in economic and employment impact but also in its commitment to diversity and workforce development. The company offers job stability, with 90% of employees on permanent contracts—over 6 points above the national average. Additionally, 57% of leadership positions are held by women, 17 points above the national average.
IFA promotes professional development, dedicating over 782,000 training hours in 2023—equivalent to 521 university master’s degrees. In a challenging labor market with high turnover, the group focuses on talent retention, with 48% of employees having more than six years of tenure.
The group also fosters labor inclusion, employing individuals from 85 different nationalities, reflecting its commitment to a diverse and respectful environment.
“Diagnosis & Action: How to Impact, Promote, and Contribute to the Agri-Food Sector in Spain”
In addition to the report presentation led by Jerusalem Hernández (Partner for Sustainability and Good Governance at KPMG Spain), the event served as a forum to reflect on the role of the agri-food sector nationally and across Europe. Antonio Garamendi emphasized that “without commerce, cities wouldn’t thrive—it’s an essential sector, as proven during the pandemic.” He highlighted CEOE’s commitment to commerce through the creation of the C4 Commission for Competitiveness, Commerce, and Consumption.
José Miguel Herrero Velasco announced the Ministry’s approval of the National Food Strategy (ENA), aimed at creating a sustainable, competitive, and territorially rooted food system based on diversity and high-quality, internationally recognized products.
A roundtable moderated by journalist Gloria Lomana featured insights from María Canal (European Commission), José María Bonmatí (AECOC), and Cristina Sánchez (UN Global Compact Spain), who stressed the importance of competitiveness, sustainability, and responsible business action amid regulatory changes.
Grupo IFA’s CEO, Diego Maus, concluded by reaffirming the group’s ambition to grow and gain market share through collaboration with manufacturers to ensure attractive value-for-money offerings.