The market for fresh tomatoes in the European Union remains healthy, even as producers face growing challenges and uncertainties. This was the conclusion of EU market players during a recent meeting.

In the 2024/25 winter season, tomato production in the Netherlands increased, thanks to lower energy costs. This happened despite lower yields from January to March due to unfavourable weather. Spain, on the other hand, saw a slight drop in winter production as a result of reduced growing area.

For summer 2025, production in most EU member states is expected to be slightly lower than in 2024. The Netherlands is an exception, with production forecast to rise slightly to 760,000 tonnes. Of this volume, around 65% will be vine tomatoes, down 7% from 2024, while cherry and specialty tomatoes are set to increase by 5% and loose tomatoes by 2%.

In France, summer production is expected to be slightly lower for vine and cocktail tomatoes, but higher for cherry and ribbed varieties. Across the EU, tomato prices remain stable and at a good level. Still, the sector is under pressure from rising production costs, climate change, water stress, and competition from cheaper imports, especially from Morocco.

Moroccan competition growing
Imports of cherry tomatoes from Morocco into the EU are on the rise. Morocco now supplies 70% of all imported tomatoes in the EU, accounting for 8% of total tomato availability on the EU market. France is the largest importer, taking in 77% of these Moroccan tomatoes.

This influx is having the greatest impact on cherry tomato production in France and Spain, as imports have risen sharply over the past three years — even during the EU’s own peak production season.

Cherry tomatoes drive consumption growth
EU tomato consumption is growing, driven largely by consumer interest in cherry tomatoes. In 2024, Spain’s tomato consumption rose by 6%, fuelled by tastier varieties and the popularity of cherry tomatoes, now the country’s most consumed vegetable at 24% of total fresh vegetable intake.

In Belgium, cherry tomato consumption has bounced back after three challenging years. In Poland, demand is rising for smaller sizes and diverse colours, with sustainable growing practices and innovative packaging gaining traction among consumers.

According to the Short-term outlook for EU agricultural markets in 2025 from the European Commission, total fresh tomato production in the EU is forecast to reach around 5.6 million tons this year. The report highlights the rise in light winter production in the Netherlands as a bright spot, but also points to declining summer output in several European countries.

There is some good news on the trade front. EU exports of fresh tomatoes are set to increase again in 2025, just as they did in 2024, a remarkable turnaround after a decade without growth. This renewed export momentum is largely driven by higher shipments to the United Kingdom.

Source: European Commission