In 2024, exports of all tomato-based products recorded solid growth in both volume and value, increasing by 6.5% and 3.8% respectively compared to the previous year, for a total of 3 billion euros. More than 2.2 million tonnes of preserved tomatoes were exported, with over 64% consisting of peeled tomatoes, chopped tomatoes, and cherry tomatoes. Tomato purée accounted for a smaller share—21%—despite being the top choice for domestic consumption.

ANICAV, the National Association of Vegetable Food Preserving Industries, has taken stock of the export trends of one of the flagship products of Italian agri-food production on the occasion of the National Made in Italy Day.

In terms of destinations, the European market remains the main point of reference, accounting for over 60% of the export value. Leading the way are Germany, the United Kingdom, and France. The United States is the number one non-European market, with a 15% share. Japan continues to be a key market: it ranks sixth globally for red preserves and second after the U.S. among non-European countries.

“The export data speak for themselves: our preserved tomatoes are appreciated worldwide for the high quality of the raw materials grown by our farmers—who continue to receive the highest prices globally—and for the exceptional standards of quality and safety guaranteed by our industry, making our products difficult to replicate and confirming them as a true excellence of Made in Italy,” said Marco Serafini, President of ANICAV.

“The economic policies of the Trump administration destabilized the global economy and also affected our sector,” added Giovanni De Angelis, General Director of ANICAV. “The U.S. market is strategic for us and continues to grow. However, the introduction of new tariffs—which could raise the overall customs duty to 32.5%—risks compromising this position and fueling the Italian sounding phenomenon, which is already widespread in the U.S. We cannot compress our margins any further: we’re already at the limit. We hope that the 90-day suspension will open the door to a cautious but firm negotiation by the EU.”