Casablanca – Morocco continues to consolidate its standing among the world’s major tomato-producing countries, driven not only by rising production volumes but, more importantly, by strong performance in productivity per unit of land. According to the latest data from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and FAOSTAT, Morocco ranked 14th globally in tomato production in 2024, placing it among the world’s leading producers while standing out for its above-average yields compared to many larger agricultural economies.

Globally, tomato production in 2024 reached approximately 188.49 billion kilograms, cultivated over an estimated 5.12 million hectares. This translates into a global average yield of about 3.68 kilograms per square meter. Against this backdrop, Morocco’s performance is notable. The country produced around 1.686 billion kilograms of tomatoes on just 16,374 hectares, achieving a yield of approximately 10.30 kilograms per square meter—nearly three times the global average.

Although Morocco does not rank among the top five producers by total volume, its productivity places it in a competitive position internationally. Several countries with significantly larger output record lower yields, highlighting Morocco’s efficiency in land use and production management. Spain, for example, produced approximately 4.57 billion kilograms of tomatoes in 2024, but its yield stood at around 8.24 kilograms per square meter—about 20 percent lower than Morocco’s. This comparison underscores the Moroccan agricultural system’s ability to generate higher output per unit of land, even when competing with long-established producers in Europe.

Globally, China remains the world’s largest tomato producer, with output exceeding 61.6 billion kilograms, accounting for nearly one-third of global production. It is followed by India, Turkey, the United States, and Egypt. While these countries dominate in volume, Morocco belongs to a group of medium-sized producers that compensate for smaller scale with higher productivity. This combination of moderate volume and strong yields positions Morocco as a reliable and efficient supplier in international markets.

Several structural factors help explain Morocco’s performance. The country has made sustained investments in modern agricultural techniques, particularly in greenhouse and protected cultivation systems, which allow for better control of growing conditions and more consistent output. At the same time, Morocco continues to rely on a mixed production model that combines greenhouse farming with open-field cultivation. This approach enables flexibility, cost control, and adaptation to different regional and climatic conditions, while still delivering competitive yields.

Improvements in water and energy management have also played a significant role. Faced with recurring droughts and increasing pressure on water resources, Morocco has accelerated the adoption of more efficient irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation, as well as improved monitoring of water use across agricultural operations. Energy efficiency measures, including the use of renewable energy in some agricultural zones, have further contributed to lowering production costs and stabilizing output. Together, these efforts have strengthened the overall efficiency of agricultural value chains, from cultivation to packaging and export.

In comparison with countries such as the Netherlands, which records the world’s highest tomato yields—around 47.89 kilograms per square meter—the role of production systems becomes clear. Dutch tomato production is almost entirely based on high-tech greenhouse agriculture, supported by advanced climate control, automation, and intensive capital investment. While Morocco’s yields are significantly lower than those of the Netherlands, the Moroccan model relies on a balance between technological investment and broader land-based cultivation. Within this context, Morocco’s yield performance is widely viewed as a positive indicator of progress in its agricultural sector, particularly given its climatic and resource constraints.

On the demand side, European markets continue to play a central role in absorbing Moroccan tomato exports. Demand has risen in recent years due to several factors, including competitive pricing, geographic proximity, and the stability of supply. Morocco’s ability to deliver consistent volumes, especially during periods when European domestic production declines, has strengthened its position within agricultural supply chains serving the European Union. This has provided Moroccan producers with a relative advantage over some European competitors, particularly in winter and off-season supply segments.

At the same time, Morocco has increasingly focused on improving product quality and compliance with international standards. Investments in post-harvest handling, cold storage, traceability systems, and certification processes have enhanced the reliability and marketability of Moroccan tomatoes. These measures have contributed to stronger market access, not only in Europe but also in other regions seeking stable and competitively priced agricultural products.

Beyond export performance, Morocco’s tomato sector also plays an important role in domestic economic development. It supports employment across rural regions, particularly in farming, packaging, transport, and related services. The sector’s resilience and adaptability have made it a key component of the broader agricultural economy, especially in regions where alternative sources of income are limited.

Looking ahead, the main challenge for Morocco’s tomato industry lies in sustaining productivity gains while adapting to climate change and resource constraints. Rising temperatures, increased frequency of droughts, and pressure on water availability pose long-term risks to agricultural output. In response, Moroccan agricultural policy has increasingly emphasized sustainability, including the promotion of climate-resilient crops, improved water governance, and the adoption of digital tools for farm management.

Morocco’s position as the 14th largest tomato producer globally in 2024, combined with its strong yield performance, reflects a shift in strategy away from volume alone toward efficiency, quality, and sustainability. This approach has enhanced the country’s competitiveness and reinforced its role as a reliable supplier in international markets. As global demand for food continues to grow amid environmental and economic uncertainty, Morocco’s experience demonstrates how targeted investment in productivity and resource management can strengthen agricultural performance and long-term resilience.