The Spanish glass packaging industry generated sales of EUR 732 million in 2006, up 8.6% on the previous year, when sales were EUR 675 million, according to figures from ANFEVI, the national associati…
The Spanish glass packaging industry generated sales of EUR 732 million in 2006, up 8.6% on the previous year, when sales were EUR 675 million, according to figures from ANFEVI, the national association of glass packaging manufacturers. At the presentation of the results on 17 May 2007 in Madrid, association president Javier Gutirrez said that in 2006 some 2.18 million tonnes of glass containers were sold, up 0.5 million on the previous year. In 2006, the five companies that make up ANFEVI sold 6.877 billion containers, 3.5% or 327 million containers more than in 2005. Mr. Gutirrez welcomed the results as “very favorable for the sector, as we have overcome the negative cycle begun in 2000”. He underlined that member companies were investing heavily in new technologies to modernize the industry and adapt to new consumer requirements. On exports, Mr. Gutirrez said foreign sales in 2006 were 226,922 tonnes, compared to 169,000 in 2005, with France and Italy the main markets. He warned of the potential of the Portuguese market, as it produces twice as much as it can consume and said that in the next few years “we will move on from talking about a Spanish market to encompass the Iberian peninsular”. Wine is the main sector for the Spanish glass market, with 32% of sales. Cava accounts for 13%, vinegar for 11% and preserves for 12%. The president of ANFEVI stressed the opportunities for success in glass containers over the coming years “through innovation and cutting-edge design”, using new forms and colors. ANFEVI is composed of five groups: BA Vidrio, Saint-Gobain, Vidrala, O-I and Vidrieras Canarias, which account for 98% of national production and together have fourteen plants in eight autonomous communities employing more than 3,000.