Tomato market in Norway

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2022, the Norwegian fresh tomato market volume remained stable at around 37 500 tonnes annually. This stability occurred alongside significant improvements in domestic production efficiency, driven by the adoption of modern closed greenhouse systems and electrification. These investments raised tomato yields to 120 kg per square meter, enabling Norwegian growers, particularly in the Rogaland region which accounts for 90% of domestic output, to increase their harvests steadily.

Consumer preference strongly favored Norwegian tomatoes, which are perceived as sweeter and of higher quality than imported varieties. At the same time, the retail sector saw a growth in the share of private labels, which reached 33% in the fresh food category by 2022. This structural shift influenced pricing and distribution dynamics within the market, while total consumption held firm.

In 2023, the market volume contracted to 36 000 tonnes, a 4% decrease from the previous year. This decline coincided with a previously noted reduction in fresh vegetable consumption across Norway. Domestic production continued to expand, reaching 15 000 tonnes and partially displacing imports, which fell below 21 000 tonnes.

Production tomato in Norway

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of tomato, 2018-2021

World map of production of tomato, 2018-2021

In 2021, Norway produced 13 321 tons of tomatoes, marking a 6.4% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, production increased by 4.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 12 761 tons, while the peak occurred in 2020 with 14 239 tons. The most significant year-on-year increase was observed in 2020, when production rose by 11.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Norway in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports tomato from Norway

Exports in kind, t

Norway's tomato exports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to just 0.1 tons, representing a sharp drop of 97.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 98.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -78.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Norway in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, the Netherlands was the dominant destination for Norway's tomato exports, absorbing 71.7% of the total volume. The remaining exports were distributed among a variety of smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Norway's tomato exports in value terms also fell for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports were recorded at 0.4 thousand US dollars, indicating a significant contraction of 93.9% from 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 98.2%, equating to an average annual decline of 73.9%.

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

During the 2018–2021 period, the Netherlands remained the primary market for Norway's tomato exports in value terms, accounting for 75.6% of the total. Other destinations contributed to a smaller portion of the export value.

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

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

Imports tomato to Norway

Imports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Norway's tomato imports rebounded in 2021. The country imported 24 097 tons of tomatoes, showing a 2.9% increase from the previous year. However, over the full period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 3.1%, with an average annual decline of 1.0%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 23 423 tons, and the largest year-on-year drop occurred that same year, with a decrease of 4.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Norway in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Spain and the Netherlands continued to be the leading sources for Norway's tomato imports by volume, together making up 83.9% of total imports. Other trading partners played a more minor role in the import structure.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Norway's tomato imports in value terms increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 69 070 thousand US dollars, reflecting an 11.8% rise over the past year. Over the 2018–2021 period, imports grew by 8.5%, which corresponds to an average annual increase of 2.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 58 663 thousand US dollars, and the most significant decline occurred that year, with a drop of 7.8%.

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

Throughout 2018–2021, Spain and the Netherlands remained the key partners for Norway's tomato imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 81.9% of total import value. Other countries made up the remainder of the imports.

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

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