Morocco has reached a new seasonal high in tomato exports to Ireland, doubling volumes compared to the previous year. From October 2024 to August 2025, exports totalled 3,400 tons, with a value of US$7.5 million. This shipment volume is twice that of the previous season and surpasses the earlier record from 2020/21 by 62 per cent.
Tomatoes continue to be Morocco's dominant horticultural export, representing around one-third of the country's fruit and vegetable export trade over the past five years. Ireland remains a relatively small destination, accounting for less than 1 per cent of total tomato exports this season, but it is developing as a growth market alongside various Scandinavian countries.
Ireland's tomato import cycle typically begins in October, reaches its highest levels between November and March, and declines to minimal volumes from June through September. In the current season, peak shipments occurred in January at 542 tons.
The Netherlands remains the primary tomato supplier to Ireland, accounting for more than half of annual import volumes. Germany and Spain follow, with German shipments increasing while Spain shows declining volumes. Since 2022, Morocco has held fourth place as a supplier, and its share of Ireland's imports reached a record 10 per cent this season, narrowing the gap with the main European suppliers.
Ireland's sourcing pattern has shifted partly due to reduced shipments from the United Kingdom. The UK is itself a net importer of tomatoes, including Moroccan supplies. Before Brexit, much of Ireland's tomato supply arrived indirectly through the UK. As re-export via the UK has become less viable, Ireland has increased direct imports from Morocco.
Despite the UK market shift and increased competition within Europe, Morocco has reached a new seasonal record for tomato exports to Ireland.
Source: EastFruit
