United Kingdom: Tomato Market 2024

Tomato Market Size in the UK

For the fourth consecutive year, the UK tomato market recorded decline in sales value, which decreased by -1.1% to $X in 2021. In general, consumption showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 6.4%. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Tomato Production in the UK

In value terms, tomato production fell modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production continues to indicate a mild curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the production volume increased by 27% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production attained the peak level at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The average yield of tomatoes in the UK totaled X tons per ha in 2021, standing approx. at 2020. Overall, the yield, however, recorded a slight contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 2.5%. As a result, the yield reached the peak level of X tons per ha. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the average tomato yield failed to regain momentum. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2021, approx. X ha of tomatoes were harvested in the UK; waning by -4.8% compared with the previous year. Overall, the harvested area showed a mild slump. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 when the harvested area increased by 9.9%. The tomato harvested area peaked at X ha in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the harvested area stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Tomato Exports

Exports from the UK

In 2021, overseas shipments of tomatoes decreased by -44.5% to X tons, falling for the third consecutive year after two years of growth. In general, exports faced a deep setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when exports increased by 40% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, tomato exports fell markedly to $X in 2021. Overall, exports continue to indicate a abrupt shrinkage. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 24%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Ireland (X tons) was the main destination for tomato exports from the UK, accounting for a 76% share of total exports. Moreover, tomato exports to Ireland exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Greece (X tons), ninefold. France (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with an 8% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Ireland totaled -2.3%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Greece (+135.3% per year) and France (-10.3% per year).

In value terms, Ireland ($X) remains the key foreign market for tomato exports from the UK, comprising 80% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Greece ($X), with a 7.4% share of total exports. It was followed by France, with a 5.2% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Ireland totaled -1.8%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Greece (+152.0% per year) and France (-8.1% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average tomato export price amounted to $X per ton, flattening at the previous year. Over the last nine-year period, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.4%. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 an increase of 16% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2021, the country with the highest price was the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to France ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to the United Arab Emirates (+11.3%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Tomato Imports

Imports into the UK

For the third consecutive year, the UK recorded decline in overseas purchases of tomatoes, which decreased by -12.5% to X tons in 2021. Overall, imports showed a mild setback. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when imports increased by 5.3%. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, tomato imports declined slightly to $X in 2021. In general, imports showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 9.5% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

The Netherlands (X tons), Morocco (X tons) and Spain (X tons) were the main suppliers of tomato imports to the UK, together comprising 91% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Morocco (with a CAGR of +15.6%), while imports for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X), Morocco ($X) and Spain ($X) were the largest tomato suppliers to the UK, together accounting for 90% of total imports.

Among the main suppliers, Morocco, with a CAGR of +14.7%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average tomato import price amounted to $X per ton, increasing by 12% against the previous year. Over the last nine years, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.4%. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was Italy ($X per ton), while the price for Morocco ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Germany (+4.5%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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