Tomato market in Western Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh or chilled tomatoes in Western Europe expanded steadily from 2018 to 2021, rising from 7 185 million US dollars to 9 032 million US dollars. This growth was particularly strong in 2020 and 2021, with annual increases of 12% and 10% respectively, reflecting consistent demand and market development.

In 2022, the market contracted to 8 403 million US dollars. A severe drought reduced fresh tomato production volumes by 3% compared to the previous year, despite a 7% expansion in cultivated area, directly shrinking supply. Simultaneously, sharply higher costs for fertilizers, energy, and packaging materials pressured the entire supply chain, increasing production expenses. These conditions contributed to a 12% decline in EU tomato exports, exacerbated by the loss of the British market and stronger competition from Moroccan producers.

The market recovered robustly in 2023, reaching a new peak value of 9 310 million US dollars, surpassing the previous high set in 2021 and indicating a return to growth after the weather-related and economic challenges of the prior year.

Production tomato in Western Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of tomato, 2017-2020

World map of production of tomato, 2017-2020

Tomato production in Western Europe has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 2 125 thousand tonnes of tomatoes, marking a modest 1.5% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, overall production declined by 2.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 086 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual decrease of 3.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Tomato production in Western Europe has grown in value for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 8 024 million US dollars, representing a 10.3% increase from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 7 034 million US dollars, which experienced the most significant decline of 11.5%.

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

Exports tomato from Western Europe

Exports in kind, K t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 at 929 thousand tonnes and peaked in 2020 at 1 998 thousand tonnes, with the peak being 2.2 times higher than the trough. In 2020, Western Europe exported 1 998 thousand tonnes of tomatoes, a substantial 115.1% increase compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 48.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom (14.3% of exports in kind), Italy (4.8%), and Poland (4.7%) were among the largest buyers of tomatoes from Western Europe. However, together they accounted for only 23.9% of total exports in kind, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Foreign tomato supplies from Western Europe have increased in value for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 2 764 million US dollars, up 3.5% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 2.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 641 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 2.0%.

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

The structure of exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 can be described as diversified. The United Kingdom (13.8% of exports in value terms), Sweden (4.4%), and Poland (4.1%) together accounted for just 22.3% of total flows, with no single country holding a clearly dominant position.

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

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

Imports tomato to Western Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Foreign tomato supplies to Western Europe have increased in volume for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported 1 866 thousand tonnes of tomatoes, corresponding to a 66.9% rise compared to 2019. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 037 thousand tonnes, which experienced the largest decline of 45.3%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Spain (25.5% of imports in kind), Morocco (24.3%), and Italy (3.0%) remained the key sources for imports in kind, together accounting for 52.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year reduction, tomato imports to Western Europe have increased in value. In 2020, import volume reached 2 959 million US dollars, which is 8.6% higher than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 2.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 0.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 2 725 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 2.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain (25.6% of imports in value terms), Morocco (20.6%), and Italy (4.0%) were the main markets for imports in value terms, together accounting for 50.3% of total flows.

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

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