Tomato market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The fresh tomato market in Germany expanded from 812.5 thousand tons in 2018 to 828.5 thousand tons by 2021. This growth was primarily driven by increased consumer demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, as heightened health consciousness led households to purchase more fresh tomatoes. Stable domestic production, ranging between 101 and 107 thousand tons annually, was supplemented by rising imports from the Netherlands and Spain to meet this demand.

A sharp market contraction to 735.3 thousand tons occurred in 2022, largely attributable to soaring gas prices and broad inflationary pressures. These factors increased import costs and reduced consumer purchasing power, leading to a significant drop in import volumes. The market partially recovered to 782.4 thousand tons in 2023, sustained by continued strong demand for high-quality, organic, and regional tomatoes, as well as the introduction of new, diverse tomato varieties that stimulated consumption.

Throughout the period, consumer preferences consistently shifted toward specialty, organic, and locally sourced tomatoes, a trend supported by policy measures promoting sustainable agriculture. Despite a gradual decline in greenhouse harvest volumes, the market diversified with colorful and flavor-intensive varieties, catering to evolving tastes while remaining heavily reliant on imports, with a self-sufficiency rate around 3.5%.

Production tomato in Germany

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of tomato, 2017-2020

World map of production of tomato, 2017-2020

Germany's tomato production grew for two consecutive years before declining. In 2019, production reached its peak at 106.7 thousand tons. However, in 2020, output fell to 102.1 thousand tons, marking a 4.3% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 5.8%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.9%. The most significant year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, when production rose by 6.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's tomato production value rose for two years before experiencing a decline. In 2019, the value peaked at 240.1 million US dollars, with a notable 16.1% increase that year. However, in 2020, the value dropped to 224.3 million US dollars, representing a 6.6% decrease compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, the overall production value grew by 13.4%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 4.3%.

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

Exports tomato from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany's tomato exports in volume terms showed some fluctuations between 2017 and 2020. In 2018, exports reached their highest point at 21.7 thousand tons, reflecting a 15.4% increase from the previous year. The following year, in 2019, exports fell to their lowest level at 18.4 thousand tons, a decline of 15.0%. In 2020, exports remained relatively stable at 18.5 thousand tons, showing little change from 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, Finland, and Denmark were the key partners for Germany's tomato exports in volume terms. Austria accounted for 28.8% of exports, Finland for 16.8%, and Denmark for 8.5%. Together, these three countries represented 54.0% of Germany's total tomato export flows during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Germany's tomato exports in value terms declined for the second year in a row. In 2018, exports reached their maximum value of 43 million US dollars, with a 12.8% increase that year. However, in 2019, exports fell by 4.5% to a lower level. In 2020, exports decreased further to 41 million US dollars, down 2.1% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 5.4%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 1.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Austria, Finland, and Denmark formed the main cluster of markets for Germany's tomato exports in value terms. Austria held a 31.0% share, Finland 22.8%, and Denmark 9.9%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 63.7% of Germany's total tomato export value during this timeframe.

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

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

Imports tomato to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's tomato imports in volume terms decreased for two years before rebounding. In 2019, imports hit their lowest point at 720.3 thousand tons, with a 1.5% decline that year. In 2020, imports increased to 742.8 thousand tons, up 3.1% from 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Spain, and Belgium were the primary sources for Germany's tomato imports in volume terms. The Netherlands supplied 53.7% of imports, Spain 24.6%, and Belgium 8.1%. Together, these three countries made up 86.3% of Germany's total tomato import flows during this period.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Germany's tomato imports in value terms fell for two consecutive years before rising again. In 2019, imports reached their minimum value of 1 425 million US dollars, declining by 3.3% that year. In 2020, imports increased to 1 568 million US dollars, up 10.0% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 5.0%, which corresponds to an average annual rate of 1.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands and Spain dominated Germany's tomato imports in value terms, together accounting for 80.9% of total flows. Other trading partners played a supplementary role during this timeframe.

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

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