Abstract
Italy has long been a global leader in tomato production, with its output consistently ranking among the highest worldwide. In 2021, Italy produced 6.27 million tons (Mt) of tomatoes, maintaining its position as the top producer in Europe. This is in line with trends from previous years, where Italy’s production has been driven by its extensive cultivation of processing tomatoes, particularly in regions like Puglia and Emilia-Romagna. The country’s climate, combined with its advanced agricultural techniques, has solidified its dominance in both fresh and processed tomato exports. Global tomato production has also grown, with significant contributions from countries like China, India, and the United States, though Italy remains a key player in the export market.
Tomato exports (worldwide)
Italy has been a dominant force in global tomato production for decades, with its peak production reaching 6.86 million tons (Mt) in 2020. This figure highlights Italy’s long-standing leadership, particularly in processing tomatoes for export. Despite fluctuations, Italy currently stands at 91.5% of this peak, producing 6.27 Mt in 2021. The country’s specialized farming regions, such as Puglia and Emilia-Romagna, benefit from favorable climates and advanced agricultural techniques. Over time, global production has expanded, with other major producers like China, India, and the U.S. increasing their shares, yet Italy remains central to international tomato exports.


The maximum is 3.19Mt[2016] of Canada, and the current value is about 72%
Tomato exports (latest year, countries around the world)
In 2021, Italy led global tomato production with 6.27 million tons (Mt), a substantial share of the world’s total of 29.4 Mt. The global average production stood at 194,000 tons per country, reflecting Italy’s dominant role in the market. Historically, Italy has been a key exporter, particularly in processed tomatoes, benefiting from ideal growing conditions in regions like Puglia. Over time, production has diversified, with countries like China, India, and the U.S. increasing their output. Despite this growth, Italy continues to play a central role in both production and export, maintaining its status as the largest supplier globally.


The maximum is 2.3Mt of Canada, the average is 145kt, and the total is 6.66Mt
Tomato exports (continental)
In 2021, Europe led global tomato production with 16.2 million tons (Mt), marking the highest regional output. This reflects Europe’s significant role in the global tomato market, with Italy being the largest individual producer, contributing a substantial portion of the total. The region benefits from favorable climates and advanced farming techniques, particularly in countries like Italy, Spain, and France, which are major exporters of both fresh and processed tomatoes. Over the years, production has expanded globally, with non-European countries like China and the U.S. also increasing their output. Despite this, Europe remains central to global tomato exports.


The maximum is 3.78Mt[2016] of North America, and the current value is about 67.8%
Tomato exports (latest year, continental)
In 2021, Europe led global tomato production, contributing 15 million tons (Mt) of the total 29.4 Mt, with an average production of 4.91 Mt per country. This highlights Europe’s dominance in the tomato market, particularly through major producers like Italy, Spain, and France. These countries have advanced agricultural practices and favorable climates, making them key exporters of both fresh and processed tomatoes. While production has grown in other regions, especially in China and the U.S., Europe continues to play a central role in global tomato exports, maintaining its leadership in both volume and quality.


The maximum is 2.6Mt of Asia, the average is 1.11Mt, and the total is 6.66Mt
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