Ketchup and other tomato sauces market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The ketchup and tomato sauce market in Romania saw volume grow from 21 792 t in 2018 to 25 720 t in 2019, as diversifying consumer tastes and the entry of new brands like Sultan expanded demand and competition. The COVID-19 pandemic then stabilized the market at 25 393 t in 2020, temporarily disrupting supply chains and consumption patterns.

After 2020, market volume recovered strongly, reaching 30 578 t by 2023 and 31 414 t in 2024. This growth was fueled by increasing health consciousness, which boosted demand for natural and preservative-free sauces. Record tomato imports secured raw material supply, while quality tests in supermarkets pushed the market toward premium products. In value terms, the market surged from USD 28.6 million to USD 64.0 million over the period, reflecting a shift to higher-quality offerings.

Production ketchup and other tomato sauces in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Romania's ketchup and tomato sauce production has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, output reached 20 478 thousand US dollars, marking a 1.8% increase from 2019. Production hit its lowest point in 2018 at 16 863 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year of 6.4%. The biggest jump occurred in 2019, with a 19.3% rise. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production expanded by 13.7%, averaging 4.4% growth per year.

Annual dynamics of production in Romania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Romania produced 15 467 tonnes of ketchup and tomato sauces, showing a moderate 6.7% drop from the previous year. The lowest production volume was in 2018 at 13 758 tonnes, with the steepest decline that year of 11.6%. Output peaked in 2019 at 16 570 tonnes, recording the largest increase of 20.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Romania in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports ketchup and other tomato sauces from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's exports of ketchup and tomato sauces have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, shipments totaled 1 183 tonnes, up 15.4% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 77.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 21.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Romania in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Spain were the top markets for Romania's ketchup and tomato sauce exports by volume. Germany accounted for 47.0% of exports, the UK for 17.8%, and Spain for 8.8%, together making up 73.6% of total shipments.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Romania in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Romania's ketchup and tomato sauce exports have increased in value for the third year running. In 2020, exports hit 1 696 thousand US dollars, a 43.4% jump from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value soared by 174.9%, averaging 40.1% annual growth.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Romania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Spain remained the leading markets for Romania's ketchup and tomato sauce exports by value. Germany held a 27.8% share, the UK 22.7%, and Spain 11.2%, collectively representing 61.8% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Romania in value, 2017-2020

Imports ketchup and other tomato sauces to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania's imports of ketchup and tomato sauces have grown for the third straight year. In 2020, imports reached 11 109 tonnes, a modest 9.2% increase from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import volume rose by 32.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Romania in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary, Italy, and Poland were the main sources for Romania's ketchup and tomato sauce imports by volume. Hungary contributed 20.4% of imports, Italy 17.6%, and Poland 13.1%, together accounting for 51.0% of total import volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Romania in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Romania's imports of ketchup and tomato sauces have climbed in value for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 15 642 thousand US dollars, a significant 15.2% rise from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 41.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Romania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, no single market dominated Romania's ketchup and tomato sauce imports by value. Italy led with 20.1% of imports, followed by the Netherlands at 15.2% and Hungary at 14.3%, together making up 49.6% of total import value. Many smaller partners each held modest shares.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Romania in value, 2017-2020