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Rabat – Morocco emerges as the leading tomato supplier in European markets, surpassing Spain for the first time.
According to a report compiled by Spanish media Hortoinfo using data from Euroestacom (ICEX-Eurostat), Morocco accounted for 31% of tomato sales in the European Union during the first quarter of 2023, while Spain represented 25% and Turkey 14%.
The report highlights a remarkable growth trajectory for Moroccan tomatoes, with sales increasing by an impressive 9.7%. Meanwhile, Spanish tomato sales experienced a significant decline of 29.5%, and Turkish sales soared by an astonishing 56.48%.
The shift in market dynamics marks a significant departure from previous years. Until now, Spain had consistently held the top spot in tomato sales in the EU.
In 2021, Spain boasted a 27% advantage over Morocco, which reduced to 21% in 2022. However, in the first quarter of 2023, Morocco’s tomato sales outpaced Spain’s.
The volume of Spanish tomatoes sold in the EU between January and March 2023 amounted to 160 million kilograms, representing a substantial decrease of 67 million kilograms compared to the same period in 2021.
The value of Spanish tomato sales during the analyzed period reached 309 million euros, reflecting a decline of €40 million, down by 11.51% compared to 2021.
Meanwhile, Moroccan tomato exports to the EU surged to 196 million kilograms in the first quarter of 2023, a notable increase of 17.45 million kilograms compared to the same period last year.
The value of Moroccan tomatoes grew by 62%, with sales reaching €358.65 million in the first quarter of 2023, up from €220.8 million in 2021.
The shift in tomato sales dynamics within the European markets highlights Morocco’s growing influence in the agricultural sector and its ability to compete with traditional tomato powerhouses such as Spain.
Read Also: German Purchases of Moroccan Tomatoes Increase by 73%
