Bayern continues its steady expansion in Spain as Bayer strengthens its footprint with a €747 million turnover in 2022, marking a 7% increase over the previous year. The results reflect progress across all business lines, ongoing site expansions, and the advancement of new R+ projects, as explained by Bernardo Kanahuati, CEO for Spain and Portugal.
The remarks came during a Thursday press briefing at the Brenes Agricultural Innovation Center in Seville. The center specializes in developing chemical and biological solutions for crop protection and reported an ambitious €2 million investment in 2022.
Despite strong performances, the company warned that global operating profits are likely to soften in 2023 due to higher costs and a reversal in glyphosate-based herbicide pricing from the prior year.
“Even amid a period of significant geopolitical tension and inflation, growth was achieved across all business areas, and a new investment record of €72 million was set in the country,” stated Kanahuati. “This has expanded manufacturing and innovation capacity while advancing sustainability efforts and reducing environmental impact.”
In Spain, Bayer employs about 2,300 people from more than 40 nationalities. Globally, the group operates in 83 countries and closed 2022 with a turnover of €50.7 billion, up 8.7% year over year.
Overall investments amounting to €29 million are directed at improving regional infrastructure, with the remaining €43 million allocated to research and development projects. Spain is highlighted as the leading country in Europe for clinical trials after the United States, according to the managing director, who notes collaboration with major researchers and established clinical centers.
The pharmaceutical and agricultural branches have maintained steady investment levels, partnering with more than 700 public and private centers in the country. The agricultural division, in particular, boosted its R&D investments by more than 19% compared with 2022.
Personal care products achieved €107 million in sales, rising 15.72% year over year.
Among its targets for 2030, the company aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 30% and reduce the environmental footprint of plant protection products by 30%. It also commits to helping 100 million smallholder farmers with innovative practices and to expanding women’s fertility management options globally. Additionally, irrigation water use for rice crops is targeted to drop by 25%. “The year ahead will be challenging, but planned launches should position the company well across all divisions in the country,” the CEO noted.
Medications and Treatments
Within its local divisions, prescription medicines have shown notable growth, with sales reaching €390 million, an increase of about 9%. These gains come from advances in cardiovascular therapies and prevention of age-related ocular conditions, as well as therapies for metastatic prostate cancer and heart failure through Verquvo, a clinically significant option for certain patients.
Personal care products likewise posted strong results, with €107 million in sales and a 15.72% rise. The main brands driving this momentum in 2022 were GineCanesten, Redoxon, and Propalcof.
Kanahuati emphasized that access to innovative medicines for Spanish patients should be reviewed to address notable gaps compared with other European nations.
Advances in Sustainability
The sustainability program continues to shape operations and product development to lower environmental impact. Protasio Rodríguez, managing director of Bayer Crop Science Iberia, noted that 2022 presented a tough context due to price volatility and supply chain disruptions, yet the agriculture division recorded €249 million in sales, up 1.2% from 2021. Bayer remains a leader in corn-seed and plant-protection markets.
Rodríguez also observed a demographic shift: populations will grow while arable land becomes scarcer. He pointed to a historical trend from roughly one hectare per person in 1960 to about 1,500 square meters today, forecasting continued acceleration. From the Brenes headquarters in Seville, the company outlined its commitment to sustainable farming and to supporting farmers through the transition to more sustainable agricultural practices, as highlighted by the management team.
Overall, the event showcased Bayer’s resolve to balance growth with responsibility, focusing on innovation, patient access, and responsible stewardship of natural resources in Spain and across the region.