Carrier's Constant Fresh service enables Spanish aquaculture exports to reach global markets within 48 hours as demand for Mediterranean seafood rises
IAG Cargo is supporting the international expansion of Spain’s aquaculture market through its collaboration with one of the country’s main exporters, as global demand for Mediterranean seafood continues to rise.
The cargo division of International Airlines Group said Cooke España’s sea bass, sea bream and meagre are able to reach international markets in under 48 hours, due to its temperature-controlled Constant Fresh service.
Spain is currently Europe’s leading aquaculture producer, with around 243,000 tonnes of farmed fish and shellfish produced in 2023, representing 23% of the EU’s total aquaculture output.
In 2024, Spanish fish and seafood exports reached approximately €5.5bn, highlighting the country’s global position in the seafood trade.
Alongside the traditional markets in North America and Asia, Spain’s aquaculture trade with Latin America is rapidly expanding, driven by increased cargo volumes between the two regions.
In 2024, IAG Cargo recorded a 38.5% year on year increase in the volume of goods shipped from Spain to Latin America.
IAG Cargo recently invested €1.5m in expanding its perishable goods facilities in Madrid, increasing its capacity by 45% to support this growth. The Madrid hub now features 1,340 sq m of space dedicated exclusively to temperature-controlled perishable cargo, ensuring product freshness and providing greater capacity for customers.
In the first half of 2025, there was a 10% increase in the perishable tonnage handled compared with the same period in 2024.
Idoia Martinez, IAG Cargo regional commercial manager for Spain and Portugal, stated: “At IAG Cargo, fish and seafood are among the most temperature-sensitive products we handle. That is why we have prioritised investment in dedicated infrastructure and services that ensure consistent quality in shipments to markets worldwide.
“The success story of Cooke España is a great example of how logistics can unlock global opportunity for regional producers, securing jobs, strengthening local communities and creating new trade routes for Spain’s world-class produce.”
Marine aquaculture company, Cooke España is headquartered in Aguilas, Murcia. It is part of the international group Cooke Inc., one of the world’s largest producers of aquatic protein.
Cooke’s freshly harvested fish is transported from Aguilas to Madrid to be loaded into aircraft holds and flown to international destinations, either directly from IAG Cargo's Madrid hub or via Heathrow Airport in London.
IAG Cargo’s Constant Fresh service is tailored for the requirements of perishable products, supporting exporters of seafood, fruit, vegetables and flowers across Europe, Latin America, Africa and beyond. The company's cold chain facilitates delivery to restaurants, global supermarket chains and distributors around the world in under two days.
