Tomato production in Almeria greenhouses has dropped by 351.6 million kilos over the past decade, a decrease of 31.91 percent, according to data from the Price and Market Observatory of the Andalusian regional government compiled by Hortoinfo.
The decline is largely linked to the reduced interest of growers in tomato cultivation. Over the last ten seasons, the crop area has fallen by 2,678 hectares, which represents a reduction of 24.71 percent compared to the 2015 to 2016 season.
During the 2024 to 2025 season, greenhouses in the province produced 750.3 million kilos of tomatoes, slightly below the previous season at minus 1.33 percent. In the previous year, production reached 760.4 million kilos, compared to 1,101.9 million kilos in 2015 to 2016.
The cultivated area has continued shrinking as well. From 8,568 hectares in 2023 to 2024, it dropped to 8,158 hectares in 2024 to 2025, a decrease of 4.78 percent which equals 410 fewer hectares in one year.
Despite the drop in production volumes, the average price of tomatoes increased by 17.28 percent year over year, rising from 0.81 euro per kilo in 2023 to 2024 to 0.95 euro in 2024 to 2025.
In the last decade, the average price received by growers has increased by more than 79 percent. In 2015 to 2016, the price stood at 0.53 euro per kilo.
The price increase has offset the loss in volume, boosting the total value of sector revenue. The 750.3 million kilos harvested in 2024 to 2025 generated 712.8 million euro. In 2015 to 2016, with much higher volumes, revenue reached 584 million euro.
Pear type tomatoes remain the leading tomato category in Almeria greenhouses with 33 percent of total production. They are followed by cluster tomatoes at 17 percent, cherry tomatoes at 14 percent, and round tomatoes at 13 percent. Ribbed tomatoes account for 8 percent, smooth tomatoes for 4 percent, and cocktail tomatoes for 3 percent, while the remaining 7 percent corresponds to other types.
Germany continues to be the main market for Almeria tomatoes with 38 percent of exports, followed by France with 12 percent, Italy with 10 percent, the Netherlands and Poland with 9 percent each, and Portugal and the United Kingdom with 5 percent each. The remaining 12 percent goes to other international destinations.
Tomato consumption in Spain also continues its downward trend. Per capita consumption fell from 14.61 kilos per person in 2020 to 11.41 kilos in 2023, with a slight recovery in 2024 reaching 11.85 kilos per person.
Source: hortoinfo.es
