Tomato market in France

Earlier Report Observations

The French tomato market volume began the period at 886 thousand tons in 2018, with consumption estimated at 21.7 kg per capita. It grew by 12% to 991 thousand tons in 2019, a rise primarily fueled by a sustained increase in imports from Morocco, whose exports to the European Union had climbed by 25%. This expansion was interrupted in 2020 when the market shrank to 958 thousand tons, as escalating energy costs started to undermine the competitiveness of domestic producers and contributed to lower output.

Persistently high energy expenses continued to constrain the market in 2021, allowing only a marginal increase to 965 thousand tons. Volume stabilized near 973 thousand tons in 2022, a year that saw an update to the official catalog of tomato varieties. A significant contraction to 888 thousand tons followed in 2023, driven directly by unfavorable weather conditions and ongoing high energy costs, which together led to a sharp fall in French tomato production.

Recent developments have introduced new dynamics. In 2023, the Council of State reversed a 2019 prohibition, authorizing the off-season sale of organic tomatoes from heated greenhouses—a decision later reaffirmed in 2024. Simultaneously, major food processor Panzani announced a significant shift towards local sourcing, committing to 6 thousand tons of French tomatoes annually, while Cofigeo confirmed an annual production of approximately 55 thousand tons for industrial processing. Seed regulations were also tightened in 2024, and industry forecasts pointed to a 6% rise in domestic production for the year.

Production tomato in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, France ranked 29th globally in tomato production.

Top producers of tomato, 2017-2020

World map of production of tomato, 2017-2020

France's tomato production volume declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, France produced 703.6 K t of tomatoes, down 0.8% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 13.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in France in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

France's tomato production value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 321 M $ US, representing a solid rise of 14.8% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 912 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 31.9%, while the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 26.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in France in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports tomato from France

Exports in kind, K t

France exported 255.0 K t of tomatoes in 2020, which is 8.4% higher year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 10.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.4%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 286.6 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 17.9%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 24.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany (28.0% of exports in kind), the Netherlands (11.4% of exports in kind), and Spain (10.4% of exports in kind) were the largest buyers of tomatoes from France, together accounting for 49.8% of total exports in kind, with the remainder distributed among various smaller partners.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

France's tomato export value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the export volume stood at 478.7 M $ US, showing a gain of 25.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 25.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.0%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 367.1 M $ US, with the largest decline in 2018 at 3.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany (31.8% of exports in value terms), the United Kingdom (11.0% of exports in value terms), and the Netherlands (10.2% of exports in value terms) led the export structure in value terms, together representing 52.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports tomato to France

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, France's tomato import volume amounted to 508.8 K t, down 1.6% relative to the prior year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 460.4 K t, while the maximum was in 2019 at 517.0 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 9.1%, and the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 12.3%.

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

Over 2017–2020, Morocco and Spain were the main sources for imports in kind, jointly accounting for 82.5% of total flows, with the residual share split among other markets.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

France's tomato import value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 768.8 M $ US, corresponding to an increase of 9.0% versus the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports increased by 9.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.0%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 703.1 M $ US, with the largest decline in 2018 at 0.1%.

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

In 2017–2020, Morocco and Spain played the leading roles in imports in value terms, with a combined share of 83.3% of total flows, while the remaining share was dispersed among other countries.

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

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