A recent analysis by Hortoinfo based on data from COMTRADE, the United Nations Statistics Division, revealed that Morocco has taken over Spain's place in the ranking of main suppliers of tomatoes to the United Kingdom, and the gap has been widening over the last three years. In 2021, Morocco managed to surpass Spain for the first time, selling 67.42% more tomatoes, which translates into an additional 44.64 million kilos. This difference grew in 2023, reaching 84.92% more, or 57.69 million kilos more than Spain.
Comparing the figures from 2014 with those of 2023, the UK's total tomato imports have decreased by 10.79%, going from 413.16 million kilos to 368.56 million. However, the value of these imports has increased and the average price per kilo was higher in 2023.
The Netherlands remained the largest supplier of tomatoes to the British market in 2023, with a volume of 129.42 million kilos; however, it recorded a significant reduction compared to 2014. Morocco stood second, with 125.62 million kilos sold in 2023, which is a lot more than in 2014. Meanwhile, Spain has lost part of its share in the British market and now stands third with 67.93 million kilos sold in 2023, which represents a drop of 46.44% compared to 2014.
Belgium has achieved considerable growth, positioning itself as the fourth largest supplier of tomatoes to the United Kingdom in 2023, with an increase of 266.12% compared to 2014.
These changes in the tomato market reflect the trade dynamics and supply preferences and are evidence of a competitive environment.
Source: hortoinfo.es