European Tomato Market: Prices, Production, and Trade Trends

The European tomato market has shown significant fluctuations in prices and production across different varieties and countries. Recent data from June 2024 reveals interesting pricing, imports, and market dynamics patterns.

Price Trends

Round tomatoes in Spain saw a 55% increase compared to May 2024, reaching €73.62 per 100kg. However, other major producers experienced declines:

France: €110.40 (-18% from May, -19% year-over-year)
Italy: €80.60 (-3% from May, -17% year-over-year)
Netherlands: €80.79 (-11% from May, -1% year-over-year)

Vine tomatoes showed similar trends, with Spain experiencing a 66% increase from May to €71.86, while other countries saw decreases:

France: €92.11 (-21% from May, -27% year-over-year)
Italy: €91.40 (-6% from May, -21% year-over-year)
Netherlands: €68.89 (-20% from May, -4% year-over-year)

Cherry and special tomatoes exhibited the highest prices but also significant decreases in some countries:

Spain: €117.76 (+15% from May, -47% year-over-year)
France: €302.00 (-26% from May, -45% year-over-year)
Italy: €188.40 (-18% from May, -17% year-over-year)
Netherlands: €201.29 (-6% from May, -3% year-over-year)

Production and Trade

The dashboard provides insights into EU tomato production and trade:

Spain remains the largest producer, followed by Italy, the Netherlands, and Poland.
Morocco is a significant exporter to the EU, with imports showing an upward trend over recent years.
Intra-EU trade in tomatoes is substantial, with the Netherlands being a major re-exporter.

Market Dynamics

Several factors influence the European tomato market:

Seasonal variations affect prices and production volumes.
Weather conditions impact yields and quality.
Energy costs play a crucial role, especially for greenhouse production in northern countries.
Consumer preferences are shifting towards speciality and organic varieties.

Future Outlook

The tomato market in Europe faces challenges and opportunities:

Increasing focus on sustainable production methods.
Growing demand for locally sourced produce.
The potential impact of climate change on traditional growing regions.
Ongoing competition from non-EU imports, particularly Morocco.

This comprehensive overview of the European tomato market highlights the complex interplay of factors affecting prices, production, and trade. As the industry evolves, stakeholders must remain adaptable to changing market conditions and consumer preferences.

Citations:
[1] https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/24754169/b0f32fe7-33a3-49e4-9d44-59103f3c79f3/tomato-dashboard_en.pdf
[2] https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/24754169/638f129c-88c7-4089-91bb-7cbc40c404a6/0358a219-b426-4adc-83e8-cba9bac7b1e3_en-1

What are the trends in tomato production for each country mentioned

Based on the information provided in the DG AGRI Dashboard for tomatoes for fresh consumption, I can highlight the following trends in tomato production for the countries mentioned:

Spain:

Round tomatoes: Prices increased significantly by 55% from May to June 2024, reaching €73.62 per 100kg[1].
Vine tomatoes Saw an even larger increase of 66% from May to June 2024, with prices at €71.86[1].
Cherry/Special tomatoes: Experienced a 15% increase from May to June 2024, but prices were still 47% lower than in June 2023[1].

France:

Round tomatoes: Prices decreased by 18% from May to June 2024 and were 19% lower than in June 2023[1].
Vine tomatoes Saw a significant drop of 21% from May to June 2024 and were 27% lower than the previous year[1].
Cherry/Special tomatoes: Experienced the most significant decrease among all countries, with a 26% drop from May to June 2024 and a 45% decrease compared to June 2023[1].

Italy:

Round tomatoes: Prices decreased by 3% from May to June 2024 and were 17% lower than in June 2023[1].
Vine tomatoes Saw a 6% decrease from May to June 2024, 21% lower than the previous year[1].
Cherry/Special tomatoes: Experienced an 18% decrease from May to June 2024 and were 17% lower than in June 2023[1].

Netherlands:

Round tomatoes: Prices decreased by 11% from May to June 2024 but were only 1% lower than in June 2023[1].
Vine tomatoes: They saw a significant drop of 20% from May to June 2024 but were only 4% lower than the previous year[1].
Cherry/Special tomatoes: Experienced a 6% decrease from May to June 2024 and were 3% lower than in June 2023[1].

Overall trends:

Spain generally saw price increases across all tomato types, while other countries experienced decreases.
Despite significant year-over-year decreases, Cherry/Special tomatoes consistently had the highest prices across all countries.
The Netherlands showed the most stability in year-over-year comparisons, with smaller decreases than other countries.
France experienced the most significant price drops across all tomato types.

It’s worth noting that these trends are based on price data, which can indicate production levels but are also influenced by other factors such as demand and market conditions.

How do the trends in tomato production affect the market prices in each country?

Based on the information provided in the DG AGRI Dashboard for tomatoes for fresh consumption, we can analyze how the trends in tomato production affect market prices in each country:

Spain:

Round tomatoes: Prices increased by 55% from May to June 2024, reaching €73.62 per 100kg[1].
Vine tomatoes: Saw a significant 66% increase to €71.86[1].
Cherry/Special tomatoes: Experienced a 15% increase to €117.76, though still 47% lower than June 2023[1].

The sharp price increases across all tomato types in Spain suggest a potential decrease in production or increased demand. This could be due to seasonal factors, weather conditions, or changes in export patterns.

France:

Round tomatoes: Prices decreased by 18% to €110.40, 19% lower than in June 2023[1].
Vine tomatoes: Dropped 21% to €92.11, 27% lower than the previous year[1].
Cherry/Special tomatoes: Saw the most significant decrease of 26% to €302.00, 45% lower than June 2023[1].

The significant price drops across all tomato types in France indicate a possible oversupply or decreased demand in the market.

Italy:

Round tomatoes: There is a slight decrease of 3% to €80.60, 17% lower than in June 2023[1].
Vine tomatoes: Decreased 6% to €91.40, 21% lower than the previous year[1].
Cherry/Special tomatoes: Dropped 18% to €188.40, 17% lower than June 2023[1].

Italy shows moderate price decreases, suggesting a relatively stable production with possible slight oversupply or reduced demand.

Netherlands:

Round tomatoes: Decreased 11% to €80.79, but only 1% lower than June 2023[1].
Vine tomatoes: Dropped 20% to €68.89, 4% lower than the previous year[1].
Cherry/Special tomatoes: There is a slight decrease of 6% to €201.29, 3% lower than June 2023[1].

The Netherlands shows varied price trends, with significant monthly decreases but relatively stable year-over-year comparisons. This could indicate seasonal adjustments in production or shifts in export patterns.

Overall market trends:

Spain’s price increases contrast sharply with the decreases seen in other countries, suggesting regional differences in production or demand.
Cherry/Special tomatoes consistently command the highest prices across all countries, indicating a premium market segment despite price fluctuations.
The Netherlands shows the most stability in year-over-year comparisons, possibly due to its advanced greenhouse production techniques.
France experienced the most significant price drops, which could indicate overproduction or decreased demand in the French market.

These price trends reflect the complex interplay between production levels, seasonal factors, weather conditions, and market demand. The variations between countries highlight the importance of considering local and regional factors when analyzing the tomato market in Europe.

How do fluctuations in tomato production impact consumer prices in different countries

Fluctuations in tomato production significantly impact consumer prices across different countries due to the interplay of supply and demand dynamics. Here’s how these fluctuations manifest in various European countries based on the DG AGRI Dashboard for tomatoes for fresh consumption:

Spain

Round Tomatoes: Prices increased by 55% from May to June 2024, reaching €73.62 per 100kg. This sharp rise suggests a possible reduction in production or increased demand.
Vine Tomatoes: A 66% price increase to €71.86 indicates a similar trend of reduced supply or heightened demand.
Cherry/Special Tomatoes: Prices rose by 15% to €117.76, despite being 47% lower than June 2023. This increase could reflect seasonal production declines or higher consumer demand.

France

Round Tomatoes: Prices decreased by 18% to €110.40, 19% lower than June 2023. This suggests an oversupply or reduced demand.
Vine Tomatoes: A 21% price drop to €92.11, 27% lower than the previous year, indicates significant oversupply or weakened demand.
Cherry/Special Tomatoes: The most significant decrease of 26% to €302.00, 45% lower than June 2023, suggests a substantial surplus or lower consumer interest.

Italy

Round Tomatoes: A slight 3% decrease to €80.60, 17% lower than June 2023, indicates stable production with minor oversupply or reduced demand.
Vine Tomatoes: A 6% decrease to €91.40, 21% lower than the previous year, suggests moderate oversupply or declining demand.
Cherry/Special Tomatoes: An 18% decrease to €188.40, 17% lower than June 2023, points to a surplus or reduced consumer interest.

Netherlands

Round Tomatoes: Prices decreased by 11% to €80.79, only 1% lower than June 2023, indicating stable production and demand.
Vine Tomatoes: A 20% drop to €68.89, 4% lower than the previous year, suggests seasonal production adjustments or shifts in export patterns.
Cherry/Special Tomatoes: A slight 6% decrease to €201.29, 3% lower than June 2023, indicates stable market conditions with minor fluctuations.

Summary of Impacts

Spain: The significant price increases across all tomato types indicate reduced production or increased demand, likely due to seasonal factors or weather conditions.
France: The substantial price drops suggest an oversupply or reduced demand, possibly due to favourable growing conditions or market saturation.
Italy: Moderate price decreases reflect stable production with minor oversupply or declining demand.
Netherlands: The varied price trends, with significant monthly decreases but stable year-over-year comparisons, indicate seasonal adjustments in production or shifts in export patterns.

Conclusion

Fluctuations in tomato production directly impact consumer prices by altering the supply-demand balance. Countries experiencing production declines or increased demand see price hikes, while those with oversupply or reduced demand face price drops. These trends highlight the importance of local and regional factors, such as weather conditions, seasonal variations, and market dynamics, in shaping consumer prices in the European tomato market.

European Tomato Market: Prices, Production, and Trade Trends