Moroccan tomato exports rise; Austria faces heat-induced supply drop
Morocco is accelerating the diversification of its tomato export markets beyond the EU, while Austria’s tomato production was limited by heatwaves despite increased acreage.
Morocco continues to strengthen its position as a key supplier of fresh tomatoes to Europe, particularly the northern markets. Moroccan exporters have increased direct shipments to northern European countries and are actively seeking to expand beyond their traditional EU customer base. This shift comes amid ongoing efforts to reduce dependency on the European market and to explore new commercial outlets for fresh tomatoes. In the past two decades, Morocco has become a major player in British tomato imports, gradually overtaking traditional suppliers such as Spain and the Netherlands.
Spanish fresh fruit and vegetable exports, including tomatoes, declined by 4% in volume in 2025, totaling 12 million tonnes. The Spanish tomato market is undergoing rapid changes in its supplier structure, with Portugal showing a notable increase in market share at the expense of Spanish producers. This competitive environment is reshaping intra-European tomato trade dynamics, affecting availability and pricing in importing countries such as Poland.
In Austria, official data show that tomato cultivation area returned to 3,000 hectares in 2025, matching 2017 levels after a period of focus on peppers and cucumbers. However, two severe heatwaves during summer 2025 significantly reduced tomato yields, with total production reaching only 57,561 tonnes. The heatwaves also negatively impacted cucumber output, but tomatoes remain the most consumed vegetable in Austria. The limited supply may influence Austrian export capacity and domestic pricing in the second half of 2026.
The modernization of Moroccan greenhouse tomato production, supported by major agricultural groups and new disease-resistant varieties, is enhancing both yield stability and export potential. Innovation is seen as a strategic tool to maintain Morocco's leading role in the European tomato market amid environmental and competitive pressures.
In the UK, the composition of fresh tomato imports has shifted dramatically over the last twenty years, with Morocco now a dominant supplier. This trend is expected to continue, influencing the competitive landscape for other exporters to the UK and EU, including those supplying the Polish market.
Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker