Moroccan tomatoes overtake Spain again on the EU market

This update focuses on Moroccan tomatoes EU. Morocco is strengthening its presence on the European tomato market and confirming its role as a strategic supplier to the European Union, a shift that is gradually showing up in the shopping baskets of Moroccan families both in Europe and back home.

Moroccan tomatoes EU: a shifting balance of power

In the 2025/2026 season, the Kingdom became, for the second year in a row, the EU’s leading supplier after the Netherlands and, crucially, ahead of Spain. Volumes of Moroccan tomatoes shipped to EU member states once again exceeded those of its Iberian neighbour.

Figures drawn from European statistics reveal a strong underlying trend. Over ten seasons, Moroccan exports to the EU increased by more than 22%, rising from around 403,800 tonnes in 2016/2017 to over 493,300 tonnes in 2025/2026.

Over the same period, Spanish exports fell by nearly 37%, while Dutch volumes dropped by more than 18%. Morocco is gaining ground in a market that is actually shrinking overall, as total EU tomato imports declined by just over 9% between the two seasons.

A market worth over €5.5 billion

In the 2025/2026 season alone, EU countries imported more than 2.78 million tonnes of tomatoes, for a bill exceeding €5.56 billion. The average price paid was close to €2 per kilo.

The Netherlands remain top, with around 773,450 tonnes exported to the EU, representing nearly 28% of total volumes and generating more than €1.64 billion. The average selling price was €2.13 per kilo.

Moroccan tomatoes come second, with 493,330 tonnes, or 17.74% of total EU imports. These exports generated €1.03 billion at an average price of €2.09 per kilo. Spain follows with 475,800 tonnes (17.11% of total volumes) for €1.01 billion, at a slightly higher average price of €2.14 per kilo.

Moroccan tomatoes EU, Dutch or Spanish, this trio now structures most of the European supply, with increasingly tough competition on both volume and price.

What it means for Moroccans living abroad

For Moroccans settled in Europe, this rise in market share is already visible on the shelves. Moroccan tomatoes are more present in supermarkets and local grocery stores that highlight the origin of their fresh produce.

In practical terms, this trend can mean:

• greater availability of Moroccan products in mainstream retail chains, not only in community shops;
• a longer Moroccan season in some countries, with staggered shipments over several months;
• price differences between tomatoes from different origins, depending on contracts and timing.

For families travelling back to Morocco, this export success has another side. Strong demand from Europe can put pressure on domestic supply, especially in peak export months. Combined with other factors such as energy costs, logistics and weather, this can feed into price fluctuations on the Moroccan market.

Between European supermarkets and Moroccan souks

In major European cities, the prominence of Moroccan tomatoes also carries a quiet sense of pride. Seeing products from the home country win ground in a demanding market like the EU strengthens the image of a competitive Moroccan farming sector.

Yet for many households, both in Morocco and abroad, one concern remains central: the balance between export performance and local purchasing power. Authorities and producers have to navigate between hard currency earnings, long-term European contracts and price stability on Moroccan markets.

For Moroccans living abroad who plan trips or extended stays in the country, keeping an eye on farm market trends, including tomatoes, becomes another indicator when estimating their food budget once they arrive in Morocco.

A trend set to last?

Data from the last ten seasons suggests that the rise in Moroccan exports is not a one-off. Morocco has built a solid position in the EU tomato supply chain, with no clear sign of an immediate reversal.

For Moroccan consumers in Europe, this means that tomatoes of Moroccan origin should continue to feature prominently in store displays. For those who divide their lives between both shores, it will be important to monitor how this export momentum affects prices in Moroccan souks and supermarkets.

For more context, readers can follow Canal212 news for Moroccans abroad.

For official updates, readers can check the relevant official source.