Moroccan tomatoes: How are we positioned in the global market?
Moroccan tomatoes are enjoying dazzling success in Europe. The Kingdom was the 2nd largest supplier to the European Union and to the British market in 2023.
Worldwide imports by the 27 countries of the EU and the UK are estimated at 3.1 million tons of tomatoes, worth $6.6 billion. Morocco’s share of shipments to the Old Continent amounts to 22%, i.e. US$1.4 billion. On the British mar-ket, Morocco exported a volume of 126,000 tons worth US$198 million.
The Brexit has redefined the British horticultural market, offering opportunities for foreign exporters. The Netherlands is a leader on the UK market, with a 35% market share by volume in 2023. Morocco follows close behind with 34%, displacing Spain to the third place, followed by Turkey and France. These are the findings of an analysis by Morocco Foodex, presented at the “Mo-rocco Tomato Conference”, held on May 30 in Agadir. Tomato industry play-ers, producers, and experts from all over the world took part in the event. France, Germany, Spain, Tunisia, Holland, Senegal, Algeria, Jordan, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Belgium, Turkey… Their aim was to discuss the chal-lenges facing the sector, share expertise and new production techniques, and address market trends. According to Morocco Foodex data, Morocco’s main customers are France, the UK, the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany. They account for 95% of segmenta-tion tomato shipments (olive, cherry, cluster, etc.) and 94% of round tomato shipments.
Sub-Saharan Africa represents a market with enormous potential. Moroccan exports to these African countries have risen from 18,000 tons of tomatoes in 2022-2023 to 25,000 tons in 2023-2024, an increase of 41%. Purchases from Gulf countries account for barely 1% of Moroccan tomato shipments. In fact, by 2023-2024, those purchases will have fallen by 37% (from 4 to 2,000 tons).
Overall, Moroccan tomato exports will total 572,000 tons in 2023-2024, down 6% on 2022-2023, when shipments reached 609,000 tons.
Khadija Skalli
