Tomatoes are the most popular vegetable in Germany. According to the Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food (BLE), Germans consumed 24.9 kilograms of fresh and processed tomatoes in the commercial year 2012/13 and in 2013/14. The total consumption in 2013/14 can be divided in 8.5 kg fresh tomatoes (34 percent) and 16.4 kg processed tomatoes (66 percent). A total of 1.7 million metric tons of processed products (dried tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato juice) were imported, about 1.3 million metric tons of that import consisted of tomato paste.
© BLE
645,000 metric tons of tomatoes imported from EU countries
In order to meet the demand, about 701,000 tons of tomatoes were imported into Germany in 2014. Seven percent less than last year and 92 percent came from the EU. The Netherlands, more than 390,000 metric tons and Spain with 164,000 metric tons exported the most tomatoes. The main supplier outside the EU was Morocco with almost 50,000 metric tons, more than 87 percent of the deliveries from outside the EU.
Pending the final foreign trade data, the number can still change. These figures are based on the Foreign Trade Statistics of February 2015.
Popular snack for children: tomatoes fresh from the plant
According to organic farmer Christian Herb the beefsteak tomato is making a comeback. And he states that children especially love the tiny tomatoes (1-2 grams) as a snack. ”The beefsteak tomato is being rediscovered. The big, sweet and tasty tomatoes are suitable for salads or on bread, and in homemade soups and sauces. And the "Rose de berne", the "Italian Cœur-de-bœuf" or "Olena Ukraina" are just three of the estimated 15,000 varieties.” He grows organic beefsteak tomatoes, chillies, zucchini and cabbage on his farm. More facts and figures can be found at www.bmel-statistik.de and on www.ble.de.