A recent analysis based on data from COMTRADE, the UN Statistics Division, and processed by Hortoinfo, shows that there's been a significant change in the dynamics of the British tomato market over the last two decades. Using code 0702 (fresh tomato) of the TARIC, Integrated Tariff of the European Communities, the report highlights that Spain went from leading tomato exports to the UK with a 47.8% share of the market in 2004 to only 18.43% in 2023. This decline relegates Spain to third place, behind the Netherlands and Morocco.
Morocco's market share has grown significantly, from a negligible 0.023% in 2004 to 34.08% in 2023, placing it in second place. The Netherlands, in turn, has maintained its dominant position, going from 40.3% in 2004 to 35.11% in 2023. Together, the Netherlands and Morocco control almost 70% of the British tomato market.
The data also shows that UK tomato imports have decreased by 4.14%, going from 384.47 million kilos in 2004 to 368.57 million kilos in 2023. Despite this decrease in volume, the value of imports has increased significantly, from 474.18 million euros in 2004 to 687.48 million euros in 2023, indicating an increase in the average price per kilo.
In 2023, the Netherlands consolidated its position as the main supplier of tomatoes to the United Kingdom, followed closely by Morocco, which surpassed Spain in 2022. Spain, which has ranked third for the third consecutive year, has experienced a significant reduction in the volume of tomatoes sold to the United Kingdom, but it has achieved the highest average price per kilo among the five main suppliers.
This change in market dynamics reflects significant variations in UK import preferences and the ability of producing countries to adapt to these demands.
Source: hortoinfo.es