Rabat – Morocco was the European Union’s second-largest tomato supplier in 2023, trailing only behind the Netherlands.
According to a report by Hortoinfo, drawing on data from ICEX-Eurostat, Morocco’s market share has experienced a remarkable surge over the past five years, rising by 18.86%.
Meanwhile, Spain’s market share dropped by 25.2%, relegating it to third place behind Morocco.
The report explains that the European Union imported a total of 2.6 million kilograms of tomatoes in 2023, a slight decrease of 3.21% compared to 2019. Despite the dip, the market value stood at €5 million ($5.4 million), with an average price of €1.9 ($2) per kilogram.
The Netherlands, long regarded as a powerhouse in tomato production, retained its top spot. The Nordic country sold 650.7 million kilograms of tomatoes to the EU in 2023, accounting for 24.61% of the total imports.
In 2023, Morocco exported 491.91 million kilograms of tomatoes to the EU, outpacing Spain, which stood at 462.66 million kilograms.
Regarding export revenues, the Netherlands maintained its dominance, generating sales worth €1.3 million ($1.4 million) in 2023.
Spain followed closely, recording sales worth €981.6 million ($1 billion). Spain’s exports were more profitable given the high average price of tomatoes per kilogram, which stood at €2.12 ($2.3).
Morocco’s tomato sales in the EU reached €971.7 million ($1 billion), a substantial rise from the €480.1 million ($520 million) compared to 2019.
Turkey, while trailing behind in terms of revenue, showcased a remarkable growth trajectory, with sales reaching €332 million ($360 million) in 2023.
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