Casablanca – In a remarkable shift in the European tomato market, Morocco has surged ahead to become the second-largest exporter of tomatoes to the European Union (EU) in 2024. This growth, which marks an exceptional 47.18% increase in Moroccan tomato exports since 2016, signals a changing landscape in the global tomato supply chain. The Moroccan agricultural sector has demonstrated its increasing capacity to meet the demands of European consumers, surpassing Spain and the Netherlands, two countries historically dominant in the EU tomato market.

According to recent data from Hortoinfo, based on Euroestacom and ICEX-Eurostat figures, Morocco’s tomato exports to the EU reached 579.79 million kilograms in 2024, a significant leap from 2016 levels. In contrast, Spain, which had held the top position for years, saw a decline in its export volume, with shipments dropping by 34.2%, bringing its total exports to just 531.77 million kilograms in 2024. The Netherlands, traditionally the largest supplier of tomatoes to the EU, also witnessed a decrease in export volume by 21.11%, with 743.29 million kilograms shipped in 2024. Despite the decline in volume, the Netherlands remained the leading exporter in terms of quantity.

The shift in market positions comes as no surprise when examining the broader trends in the European tomato trade. Morocco’s rise has been driven by both increased volume and an increase in the price of tomatoes, positioning it as a key supplier to EU markets. Since 2016, Moroccan tomatoes have enjoyed a growing share of European consumer demand, in part due to their competitive pricing and consistent quality, coupled with the country’s strategic proximity to the EU.

Morocco’s success can also be attributed to its ability to adapt to evolving market conditions and meet the EU’s rigorous agricultural standards. This growth reflects the country’s broader agricultural modernization efforts, which have been focused on increasing production and expanding export capacity. Furthermore, Morocco’s commitment to ensuring high-quality standards has helped secure its position as a reliable supplier to the EU’s discerning markets.

In terms of revenue, Morocco has seen a dramatic increase, with its tomato exports valued at approximately $1.08 billion in 2024, compared to just $452 million in 2016. This represents an impressive rise of $631 million, largely driven by a price increase from $1.14 per kilogram in 2016 to $1.85 per kilogram in 2024. This price hike reflects both increased demand for Moroccan tomatoes and a general upward trend in agricultural prices, benefiting exporters in countries like Morocco.

On the other hand, Spain, despite its diminished export volume, has seen an increase in the price of its tomatoes, with an average price of $1.90 per kilogram in 2024. However, the 276.35 million-kilogram decline in export volume has led to a reduction in total revenue, which fell to around $1 billion, a decrease of $90 million compared to 2016.

The Dutch tomato market, despite its position as the largest exporter in terms of quantity, also experienced a downturn, with a decline of 198.84 million kilograms since 2016. Nevertheless, the Netherlands retained its top position, contributing 743.29 million kilograms to the EU market in 2024. However, a decrease in volume impacted the overall revenue, though the Netherlands still achieved a market value of approximately $1.47 billion from its tomato exports.

Turkey, which ranked fourth in the EU tomato market in 2024, has made notable progress, with tomato exports reaching 194.21 million kilograms, a growth of 122.64 million kilograms since 2016. Although Turkey saw a slight decrease compared to the previous year, its overall export growth since 2016 reflects a substantial 171.35% increase in volume. This surge has resulted in a significant revenue boost, with Turkish tomato export earnings reaching approximately $261 million in 2024, up from $70 million in 2016. This growth was facilitated by a rise in the price per kilogram from $1.14 in 2016 to $1.35 in 2024.

Despite a slight overall decline in total EU tomato imports, which fell by 7.18% in 2024 compared to 2016, the total market value remained strong at approximately $5.36 billion. This reflects a stable demand for tomatoes in the EU, albeit at lower volumes, with the average price per kilogram in the EU rising to $1.85.

Morocco’s substantial gains in the European tomato market reflect the country’s growing agricultural strength and its ability to capitalize on changing market conditions. By continuing to innovate, improve quality, and expand production capacity, Morocco is poised to further solidify its position as a leading supplier to the European Union. This progress not only boosts the country’s agricultural exports but also highlights the adaptability and resilience of the Moroccan farming sector in a highly competitive global market.