Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.), historically relegated to marginal areas, is once again entering the Mediterranean agricultural debate. Its hardiness, its ability to thrive under extreme conditions and the growing industrial value of locust bean gum have renewed interest in a crop Spain knows well. This is reflected in the IFAPA report Posibilidades del Algarrobo en AndalucÃa, which provides a detailed overview of the current situation of the crop and the opportunities —and limitations— it presents for southern Spain.
Spain, a global leader in a historic crop regaining prominence
According to the IFAPA report, Spain is currently the world’s leading producer of carob, with 60,000 to 80,000 tonnes per year, accounting for around 30% of global production. Although the crop once exceeded 190,000 hectares in the 1930s, the decline of livestock use and the lack of modernization reduced the area to the current 39,825 hectares, of which 38,718 ha are rainfed (MAPA data).
The document details the territorial distribution of the crop, which remains strongly concentrated along the Mediterranean coast:
- Valencian Community: 17,179 ha (Castellón 7,720 ha, Valencia 8,730 ha, Alicante 729 ha).
- Balearic Islands: 13,022 ha.
- Catalonia: 6,266 ha (mainly Tarragona, with 6,129 ha).
- Region of Murcia: 952 ha.
- Andalusia: 2,402 ha (notably Málaga with 915 ha, Huelva with 888 ha and Cádiz with 363 ha).
- Extremadura: 4 ha.
This distribution confirms that the crop remains closely linked to the Mediterranean arc, although IFAPA notes that inland areas —including Andalusia— could expand production if the right conditions are met.
In recent years, the sector has experienced a revival. IFAPA highlights that rising prices —driven by demand for locust bean gum— have encouraged new plantations and greater professionalization. Spain’s well‑established processing industry absorbs between 70% and 80% of national production.
Andalusia: a region with favourable conditions and potential still to be developed
The IFAPA report does not state that Andalusia is currently experiencing an expansion of carob cultivation, but it does identify objective conditions that could support future development.
According to the study, the region currently has:
- 2,400 hectares under regular cultivation.
- 1,200 additional hectares of scattered trees.
- A large wild population, with significant genetic variability useful for breeding programmes.
The document notes that the crop has been present in Andalusia for millennia and adapts well to:
- dry climates,
- low rainfall,
- poor or stony soils,
- sloping terrain,
- water‑stress conditions.
In a context of structural drought and increasing desertification, IFAPA considers that carob could become an agronomic alternative of interest. Moreover, Spain has a processing industry far larger than current production, ensuring demand and commercial stability.
The report stresses that, under good soil and management conditions, carob can be a mechanisable, productive and profitable crop, especially under irrigation or in fresh rainfed areas.
Key challenges before consolidating its expansion in Andalusia
IFAPA is clear: for the crop to develop reliably in Andalusia, three fundamental issues must be addressed:
- Varietal characterisation by region, assessing productivity, adaptation and susceptibility to pests and diseases.
- Identification of frost‑free areas, one of the main limiting factors for the crop.
- Availability of certified, high‑quality nursery plants, with full sanitary guarantees.
The report warns that without progress on these points, the crop’s potential in Andalusia will remain a latent opportunity, not a consolidated reality.
A fruit with multiple uses and a growing market
The IFAPA report also highlights the increasing value of carob and its derivatives. Traditionally used for animal feed, carob has become an ingredient with high added value, found in:
- flours for bakery and pastry,
- plant‑based beverages,
- energy bars,
- diet products,
- cocoa substitutes,
- syrups and concentrates,
- locust bean gum (E‑410), used as a food stabiliser,
- pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products.
Locust bean gum, extracted from the seed endosperm, represents up to 80% of the fruit’s commercial value, explaining the renewed industrial interest.
In addition, IFAPA notes that carob provides environmental benefits: it acts as a CO₂ sink, helps reduce erosion and desertification, and is useful in post‑fire reforestation.
A crop with history and future, pending strategic decisions
According to the IFAPA report, carob could play a relevant role in the diversification of Andalusian agriculture, but its development will depend on strategic and technical decisions: varietal characterisation, climatic zoning and the availability of certified nursery plants.
Spain leads global production. Andalusia has the conditions to join this momentum. The potential is there; turning it into reality will require planning, research and agronomic commitment.
