Tomato juice market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the volume of the Hungarian tomato juice market fluctuated, declining slightly in 2019 before a recovery in 2020 and another dip in 2021. During this period, initiatives like the 2018 seedling adoption campaign aimed to promote sustainable and diverse Hungarian tomato varieties, potentially supporting long-term raw material supply. Hungary also solidified its position as a notable exporter of unfermented tomato juice in 2021, serving markets like Slovakia, Romania, and Poland.

A significant expansion occurred in 2022, with market volume rising to 4.8 million liters. This growth was driven by the broader development of the domestic tomato sector, including expanded local production, and regulatory changes that simplified hygiene and documentation requirements for small-scale producers, easing market entry. The same year, revised EU rules on price indication enhanced consumer transparency. However, the market shifted markedly in 2023: volume contracted sharply to 3.7 million liters, while value jumped to $2.9 million, propelled by a 40% surge in industrial tomato procurement prices that raised production costs and consumer prices. Producers responded by experimenting with new product varieties and flavors.

In 2024, the market volume saw a modest recovery to 3.7 million liters, aligning with a reported mild growth trend in the European tomato juice sector. Domestic tomato cultivation ensured steady supply from spring to autumn, though production costs remained elevated. Looking ahead, the sector in 2025 is noted to be under pressure with transforming market structure, even as unprecedented working capital investments flow into the Hungarian agri-food industry.

Production tomato juice in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

After two consecutive years of decline, Hungary's tomato juice production rebounded in value terms. In 2020, output hit its lowest point at 1 226 K $ US, marking a significant 19.2% decrease. However, by 2021, production surged to 1 666 K $ US, representing a robust 35.9% year-over-year increase.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K l

From 2018 to 2021, Hungary held the 24th position globally in tomato juice production.

Top producers of tomato juice, 2018-2021

World map of production of tomato juice, 2018-2021

Following a two-year downturn, Hungary's tomato juice production in volume terms showed recovery. In 2020, output reached its minimum at 2 640 K l, with a notable 15.0% decline. The following year, 2021, saw production rise to 2 984 K l, a strong 13.0% increase compared to 2020. Over the entire 2018-2021 period, production decreased by 7.2%, averaging an annual decline of 2.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K l

Exports tomato juice from Hungary

Exports in kind, K l

Hungary's tomato juice exports in volume terms remained largely stable in 2021 at 656 K l, showing little change from the previous year. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 653 K l, which saw a sharp 25.4% drop. In contrast, 2019 marked the peak with 876 K l, reflecting a substantial 23.0% increase. Overall, from 2018 to 2021, exports declined by 7.8%, with an average annual decrease of 2.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K l

Between 2018 and 2021, Romania, Poland, and Lithuania were the key partners for Hungary's tomato juice exports in volume terms. Romania accounted for 52.4% of exports, Poland for 17.5%, and Lithuania for 7.8%, together making up 77.7% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

In value terms, Hungary's tomato juice exports saw fluctuations from 2018 to 2021. The lowest value occurred in 2020 at 375 K $ US, with a 24.6% decline, while the highest was in 2019 at 498 K $ US, showing a 25.6% increase. By 2021, exports rose to 410 K $ US, up 9.3% from the previous year. Over the four-year period, exports grew by 3.4%, averaging an annual increase of 1.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Romania, Poland, and Lithuania consistently served as the main destinations for Hungary's tomato juice exports in value terms. Romania represented 50.6% of exports, Poland 16.5%, and Lithuania 8.1%, collectively accounting for 75.2% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021

Imports tomato juice to Hungary

Imports in kind, K l

After two years of growth, Hungary's tomato juice imports in volume terms declined. In 2020, imports peaked at 2 609 K l, with a 20.6% increase. However, by 2021, imports fell sharply to 1 862 K l, a 28.6% drop from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 span, imports decreased by 8.7%, with an average annual decline of 3.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K l

During 2018-2021, Poland, Austria, and Germany were the primary sources for Hungary's tomato juice imports in volume terms. Poland contributed 55.3% of imports, Austria 22.3%, and Germany 19.3%, together representing 96.9% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of increase, Hungary's tomato juice imports in value terms turned downward. In 2020, imports reached their highest point at 1 247 K $ US, with an 11.8% rise. By 2021, imports dropped to 1 000 K $ US, a 25.0% decrease from the year before. From 2018 to 2021, imports fell by 9.4%, averaging an annual decline of 3.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Poland, Germany, and Austria were the leading suppliers of tomato juice to Hungary in value terms. Poland accounted for 49.5% of imports, Germany for 22.3%, and Austria for 21.8%, jointly making up 93.6% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021