Tomato export volumes fall in Italy, Morocco strengthens position with certified snack tomatoes

Italian tomato sales volumes continued to decline in June 2026, while Morocco's snack tomato sector now has over half its exports certified by B Corp firms.

In Italy, retail trade data for June 2026 show tomato sales volumes fell by 7% year-on-year in week 26, following declines of 11% in April and 10% in May. Since the start of the year, the average retail price for tomatoes in Italy increased by 15%, outpacing the 3% rise for vegetables overall. The volume contraction is attributed to both lower supply and higher prices. Despite decreasing volumes, the value of tomato sales was maintained by higher prices, except in week 26, when value also fell by 3%.

Morocco remains a leading exporter of snack tomatoes to European markets. In the 2024/25 season, snack tomato exports reached 473,000 tonnes, representing 62% of Morocco’s total tomato exports. Over 56% of these exports are now produced by B Corp-certified companies, with Azura and Duroc leading the sector. This shift reflects increasing retailer and consumer demand for certified and sustainably produced tomatoes across Europe.

On regional wholesale trading platforms in early July 2026, the number of tomato sellers in Eastern Europe nearly doubled compared to the previous week, indicating a surge in availability from countries such as Türkiye and Iran. However, activity from Ukraine and Uzbekistan declined, and offers from Egypt and Iran also decreased. Poland saw increased tomato availability on these platforms, reflecting changes in regional supply flows.

Spain continues to address soil-borne disease challenges in tomato cultivation with new biological fungicides, which may impact future yields and residue standards. Meanwhile, in Sicily, Italy, new high-yield cherry and cluster tomato varieties bred for heat resistance and improved fruit quality are being introduced, targeting both export and domestic markets during the summer season.

A Spanish initiative is developing food products from tomatoes excluded from the fresh market due to size or appearance, aiming to reduce waste and support rural economies. This model may influence supply chain dynamics and processed tomato availability in Europe.

Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker