Morocco has emerged as the world’s third-largest exporter of fresh tomatoes,driven by robust demand from European markets and a strategic shift toward high-value varieties,Morocco’s agri food export agency Foodex said.
The North African country now holds an 11% share of the global fresh tomato export market,trailing only Mexico and the Netherlands,according to 2024 Morocco Foodex data released at the Morocco Conference in Agadir.
Exports have grown at an average annual rate of 11%,far outpacing the global average of 3%.
The European Union and the UK remain Morocco’s top destination,absorbing 570,000 tons of tomatoes by April 2025,an 8% increase from the previous season.
Morocco is now the EU’s second-largest supplier,with a 24% market share,behind the Netherlands. It also ranks second in the UK,which imported 396,000 tons in 2024,of which 27.1% came from Morocco.
The Souss-Massa region continues to dominate national production,accounting for 609,000 tons of exports.
Morocco is also expanding its footprint in niche segments such as cherry and elongated tomatoes,with 350,000 tons exported in the 2024–2025 season,a 35% year-on-year increase.
Despite its gains,Morocco faces stiff competition from Turkey,Spain,and the Netherlands. Spain’s production fell 21% in 2024,while Turkey remains heavily reliant on EU markets. The Netherlands continues to lead in premium greenhouse-grown tomatoes.
Morocco is also making inroads into emerging markets,including Sub-Saharan Africa and the Gulf states,where exports rose 23% and 39% respectively.
United News - unews.co.za