Tomato market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish fresh tomato market saw initial growth in 2018-2019, supported by the country's role as a leading EU exporter and favorable climate. Changing consumer preferences towards higher-quality and sustainable products began reshaping demand during this period. However, in 2020, market volume contracted due to intensified international competition, particularly from Morocco, and challenging climatic conditions affecting output.

A recovery followed in 2021, aided by the implementation of new EU marketing standards for tomatoes that harmonized quality and labeling rules, alongside shifts in consumption patterns emerging from the pandemic. This rebound was sharply reversed in 2022 when a surge in fertilizer and energy prices significantly raised production costs, leading to a substantial drop in volume. The introduction of stricter hygiene regulations for retail food sales, under Royal Decree 1021/2022, added further regulatory pressure on the sector.

Market volume partially recovered in 2023 as the industry focused on varietal innovation and improved cold-chain logistics to enhance efficiency and maintain product quality. Stable domestic consumption continued to underpin demand. Looking ahead, the sector aims to maintain stable winter tomato production, although it continues to face persistent challenges from high input costs and competition from third countries.

Production tomato in Spain

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Spain maintained the 7th position globally in terms of tomato production volume.

Top producers of tomato, 2017-2020

World map of production of tomato, 2017-2020

In 2020, Spain produced 4 313 K t of tomatoes, which represents a 13.8% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production declined by 16.5%, translating to an annualized rate of 5.8%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a growth of 4.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output of tomatoes in Spain was valued at 6 325 M $ US, showing a moderate contraction of 5.9% relative to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 13.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.6%. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 11.6%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a rise of 4.5%.

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

Exports tomato from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

Tomato shipments from Spain to abroad declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 728.8 K t, down by 5.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 9.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.4%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 813.2 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 5.6%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 0.5%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany (24.8% of exports in kind), France (14.9% of exports in kind), and the United Kingdom (13.8% of exports in kind) were the key destinations for exports in kind, together accounting for 53.5% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decline, Spain's tomato export volume increased. In 2020, Spain exported 1 069 M $ US of tomatoes, up by 3.6% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 6.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.1%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 032 M $ US, with the largest decline also occurring in 2019 at 6.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany (28.2% of exports in value terms), the United Kingdom (13.1% of exports in value terms), and France (13.0% of exports in value terms) consistently held leading positions in the country structure of exports in value terms, jointly accounting for 54.3% of total flows.

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

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

Imports tomato to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year rise, Spain's tomato imports declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 165.3 K t, marking a reduction of 16.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 7.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.4%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 198.2 K t, with the largest increase also occurring in 2019 at 16.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Morocco (37.6% of imports in kind), Portugal (31.2% of imports in kind), and the Netherlands (17.3% of imports in kind) formed the main cluster of markets for imports in kind, with a combined share of 86.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Tomato deliveries to Spain increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Spain imported approximately 174 M $ US of tomatoes, amounting to a small increase of 1.6% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 29.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Morocco (46.0% of imports in value terms), Portugal (23.2% of imports in value terms), and the Netherlands (17.1% of imports in value terms) formed the main cluster of markets for imports in value terms, with a combined share of 86.3% of total flows.

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

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