It might surprise you, but China leads the world in tomato production, not the USA or Italy. A 2014 report by OneWorld magazine shows China outshines both countries in tomato production¹. China made nearly $1 billion from tomato paste exports in 2011, becoming the top exporter¹.

But Italy is still a big player in the tomato world. In 2022, it produced and processed about 5.5 million tonnes of tomatoes. This makes up 15% of the world’s tomatoes and 56% of Europe’s². Italy’s tomato processing industry is worth over €4 billion, with a big chunk going to exports². In fact, 60% of its processed tomatoes are shipped out, showing Italy’s strong position².

Key Takeaways

• China is the world’s biggest tomato producer, surpassing the USA and Italy combined.
• Italy is the third-largest producer of tomatoes for processing, accounting for 15% of global production and 56% of the European crop.
• The Italian tomato processing sector has an industrial turnover exceeding €4 billion, with exports accounting for 2.2%.
• 60% of Italian processed tomatoes are exported, showcasing the country’s leading role in the global tomato industry.
• Purées and pulps are the most frequently purchased canned tomato products in Italy, representing 75% of volumes and 54% of total expenditure.

Italy’s Dominance in Tomato Production

Italy is a giant in the world of tomato production. It’s the third biggest producer, making about 5.5 million tonnes of tomatoes every year. This is 15% of the world’s total and 56% of Europe’s tomatoes³. The industry’s value is over €4 billion, with exports making up a big part of that³.

Italy’s Ranking and Production Statistics

Italy leads in making canned tomatoes for direct use by consumers. In fact, 60% of its processed tomatoes go out to the world³. This shows Italy’s deep knowledge and innovation in tomato processing.

Italy’s success comes from its great climate, rich soil, and long culinary traditions⁴. The main tomato areas are Parma, Modena, and Piacenza. These places have the perfect climate and soil for growing many tomato types, including the famous San Marzano⁴.

Italian Canned Tomato Products

The market for canned tomatoes in Italy is slowly getting smaller because people eat out more and spend less time cooking³. But, people are spending more on food, especially on easy-to-use products like purees and sauces³.

About 5% of all canned tomatoes sold in Italy are organic, showing more people want sustainable and healthier food³. The main types of canned tomatoes are purees, pulps, sauces, and peeled tomatoes.

“Italy’s obsession with tomatoes is particular compared to other nations.”⁴

Italy’s deep love for tomatoes and its skills in processing them have made it a world leader in the industry. As tastes change, Italy keeps up with new trends, keeping its top spot in tomato production³⁵⁴.

biggest tomato producer in the world

China leads the world in tomato production, producing 68,241,811 metric tonnes in 2022. This makes up 34.67% of the world’s tomatoes⁶⁷.

India is a close second, producing 20,694,000 tonnes in 2022⁶. The country’s tomato production has been growing. In 2020, it produced 20.573 million metric tonnes on 812,000 hectares, with an average yield of 25.3 metric tonnes per hectare⁷.

Turkey ranks third, with 13,000,000 metric tonnes produced in 2022⁶. Turkey’s tomato industry is significant, with 13.204 million metric tonnes grown on 181,879 hectares in 2020. The yield was a high 72.6 metric tonnes per hectare⁷.

The United States is the fourth-largest producer, harvesting 10,199,753 tonnes in 2022⁶⁸. Its production has dropped from around 13 million tonnes in 2016 to about 10 million tonnes in 2017. In 2020, the U.S. produced 12.227 million metric tonnes on 110,439 hectares, with a yield of 110.7 metric tonnes per hectare⁷.

Egypt is the fifth-largest producer, harvesting 6,275,444 tonnes in 2022⁶.

Italy is a major producer in Europe, with 6,136,380 metric tonnes of tomatoes in 2022⁶. It’s the largest producer in Europe and accounts for 15% of the world’s and 56% of Europe’s tomato production⁸.

Other top producers include Mexico, Brazil, Nigeria, Spain, and Iran, each producing over 3 million tonnes⁶⁸.

These countries are crucial in meeting the growing demand for tomatoes worldwide⁸⁷.

The EU’s tomato production for processing remains stable, but fresh tomato production is expected to decline by 0.4% annually until 2031⁷. This is due to a decrease in winter production in Spain and a focus on higher-value tomatoes.

The EU will likely continue to import tomato concentrate as demand for processed products like canned tomatoes and organic sauces increases⁷.

“The global tomato industry shows how resilient and adaptable this crop is. As tastes change, leading countries must innovate to keep up with the demand for tomatoes.”

China, India, and Turkey lead in tomato production, while the EU’s dynamics change. The growing demand for tomatoes will shape the future of the industry⁶⁸⁷.

Conclusion

Italy is a big name in the tomato production world, ranking third globally for processing tomatoes⁹. In 2022, it made and processed about 5.5 million tonnes of tomatoes. This is 15% of all tomatoes made worldwide and 56% of those in Europe⁹. The tomato processing in Italy is a big economic boost, bringing in over €4 billion, with exports making up 2.2% of that⁹. Italy leads in making canned tomatoes for direct use, exporting 60% of its processed tomatoes⁹.

The tomato trade is complex and always changing, with Mexico leading in exports, followed by the Netherlands and Spain¹⁰. The US is a big buyer of tomatoes, with most coming from Mexico¹⁰. Africa, especially West Africa, is seeing a rise in tomato paste imports but faces issues with low yields and high losses after harvest¹¹.

The tomato industry is changing, and Italy’s role as a top producer of canned tomatoes is key⁹¹⁰¹¹. Global trade trends will also shape the future of tomatoes.

Source Links

1. Ketchup supply chain: rotten tomatoes in China – SOMO
2. Processing tomatoes: Italy is among the world’s top producers – Italianfood.net
3. Background – Tomato News
4. How this fruit became the star of Italian cooking | CNN
5. The European market potential for tomatoes
6. List of countries by tomato production
7. Worldwide (total fresh) tomato production exceeds 187 million tonnes in 2020
8. Tomato Production by Country 2024
9. FE1027/FE1027: The US Tomato Industry: An Overview of Production and Trade
10. Tomato Exports: Overview
11. Africa’s biggest tomato producer is also its biggest importer