Tomato, leader in vegetable consumption in Spain

Tomato consumption in Spanish households remains strong, reaching 11.2 kilos per person per year, according to the 2023 Food Consumption in Spain Report of the Ministry of Agriculture. This data confirms tomato as the most demanded vegetable in the country, representing 23% of the total vegetables consumed. In terms of volume, tomato consumption amounted to 525 million kilos, generating a value of 1,192 million euros, reflecting its relevance both in domestic consumption and in production and exports.

 

 

 

As for exports, in 2023, Spain exported a total of 558,514 tons of tomato, valued at 7,883 million euros. The main destinations for these exports are Germany, France and the United Kingdom, which strengthens the country's agri-food trade balance.

 

 

 

The tomato sector has also invested significantly in technology and sustainability, adopting techniques such as drip irrigation and the use of advanced greenhouses to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. However, it faces challenges, such as international competition from countries like Morocco and Turkey, as well as the effects of climate change and volatile input prices.

 

One of the biggest current challenges is the threat of ToBRFV (ToBRFV), which severely affects yields. However, work is being done to develop virus-resistant varieties without compromising quality. Hernández stresses that the focus is also on creating tomatoes of great quality and flavor, differentiating the Spanish offer in international markets.

 

 

 

The future of the sector lies in meeting the growing demands of consumers, offering sustainable and high quality products, which could further boost consumption, not only in Spain, but also in the rest of Europe.