Morocco has become the fastest-growing supplier of tomatoes to Germany after export volumes rose by nearly 500% over the past two decades, according to trade data cited by Fresh Plaza.
United Nations figures show Moroccan tomato shipments to Germany increased from 12,710 tonnes in 2005 to 74,890 tonnes in 2024. Morocco now holds almost 10% of the German market, up from less than 2% twenty years ago.
The value of exports rose from €14.56m in 2005 to €157.99m in 2024. Higher volumes and stronger prices drove the increase. The average wholesale price for Moroccan tomatoes in Germany was about $2.30 per kilogram last year.
Despite the growth, Morocco remains behind the Netherlands and Spain. Dutch producers exported 360,200 tonnes to Germany in 2024, accounting for about 48% of imports. Spain supplied 216,180 tonnes, or 29% of the market.
The rise in exports follows Morocco’s Generation Green 2020–2030 strategy, which aims to modernise farming and expand greenhouse production. The shift has allowed Moroccan growers to supply European markets during winter, when production in northern Europe is limited or costly due to heating needs.
Morocco also benefits from lower labour costs and natural sunlight, reducing reliance on energy-intensive greenhouses. Trade agreements with the European Union have further eased access to the German market.
Producers have faced challenges, including the ToBRFV crop virus and years of drought. Many large farms have invested in resistant seed varieties and irrigation systems, including desalination projects such as the Chtouka Ait Baha plant.
While exports have grown, prices in Morocco have risen sharply. Heavy shipments to Europe have reduced local supply, pushing retail prices from a historical average of 4 to 5 dirhams per kilogram to between 8 and 10 dirhams. During previous Ramadan periods, prices reached 12 to 15 dirhams.
Market analysts expect further increases as Ramadan approaches, when domestic demand for tomatoes typically rises by up to 300%.
In past years, the government introduced temporary export limits to curb price spikes. However, higher returns in European markets continue to encourage producers to prioritise exports.
