Tomato market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh tomatoes in Sweden experienced notable shifts between 2018 and 2023. Total market volume reached a peak of nearly 107 000 tons in 2020 but then contracted to around 91 000 tons by 2023. This movement was primarily shaped by changes in domestic production capacity and international supply conditions.

Domestic tomato production rose to over 19 000 tons in 2020 as more companies entered the greenhouse vegetable sector, increasing overall supply. However, production later stabilized around 17 000-18 000 tons. Imports, which make up the bulk of the market, fell sharply after 2021, dropping from 88 800 tons to 74 500 tons by 2023. This decline was driven by global weather-related disruptions that reduced shipments from traditional suppliers like Morocco, coupled with a significant 34% price increase for tomatoes between late 2022 and late 2023 which dampened consumption.

Throughout the period, the market saw continuous introduction of new tomato varieties aimed at improving taste, extending the winter season, and catering to gourmet segments. Major domestic producer Alfred Pedersen & Son also expanded its greenhouse area by 160 000 square meters, supporting local output. While consumer interest in sustainable, locally-grown tomatoes grew, the overall market volume shrank as higher prices and tighter import availability took effect.

Production tomato in Sweden

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of tomato, 2017-2020

World map of production of tomato, 2017-2020

In 2019, Sweden's tomato production experienced its largest decline of 7.3%. However, in 2020, production rebounded to 19 050 tonnes, marking a 12.7% increase compared to 2019. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 31.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.7%. The most significant increase occurred in 2018, when production surged by 26.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports tomato from Sweden

Exports in kind, t

Sweden's tomato exports have declined for three consecutive years. In 2020, exports amounted to 270 tonnes, representing a 46.6% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 78.5%, with an average annual decline of 40.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Bunkers were the primary markets for Sweden's tomato exports in volume terms. Denmark accounted for 50.2% of exports, the Netherlands for 28.0%, and Bunkers for 5.9%. Together, these three destinations represented 84.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Sweden's tomato export value has declined for three consecutive years. In 2020, exports totaled 1.6 million US dollars, remaining stable compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value decreased by 42.9%, with an average annual decline of 17.0%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Bunkers were the key partners for Sweden's tomato exports in value terms. Denmark accounted for 66.6% of export value, the Netherlands for 12.0%, and Bunkers for 6.5%. Collectively, these three partners represented 85.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports tomato to Sweden

Imports in kind, t

In 2019, Sweden's tomato imports saw their largest decline of 0.4%. In 2020, imports recovered to 88 103 tonnes, showing a modest increase of 3.0% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 5.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.9%. The most significant increase occurred in 2018, when imports rose by 3.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands and Spain dominated Sweden's tomato imports in volume terms, together accounting for 80.2% of total imports. The remaining share was distributed among other destinations, each with smaller individual contributions.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2019, Sweden's tomato import value reached its lowest point at 158.6 million US dollars, marking the largest decline of 6.9% that year. After two years of reduction, imports increased in 2020 to 165.2 million US dollars, representing a limited growth of 4.2% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, import value decreased by 3.6%, equating to an average annual decline of 1.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Spain, and France led the structure of Sweden's tomato imports in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 51.7% of import value, Spain for 26.3%, and France for 13.9%. Together, these three countries represented 92.0% of total import flows.

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

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