Europe tomato seeds market is estimated to witness high growth, owing to increasing consumption of processed foods & growing popularity of hybrid seeds
Europe tomato seeds market is estimated to be valued at USD 120.3 Mn in 2024, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.1% over the forecast period (2024-2031). Increasing demand for processed food products such as tomato puree, pasta sauces, ketchup and soups can drive the market growth.
Market Dynamics
Increasing consumption of processed foods and growing popularity of hybrid seeds in Europe can drive the market growth. Processed food products such as tomato puree, pasta sauces and ketchup witnessed huge demand over the past few years. This boosts the need for commercially produced tomato seeds that offer high and consistent yields. Hybrid tomato seeds are gaining more preference over traditional seeds among European farmers as this help produce higher yields while resisting diseases better. Two of the major hybrid tomato seed producers supplying to Europe are Syngenta and BASF. If this trend continues, it will positively impact Europe tomato seeds market growth over the forecast period.
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities for Europe Tomato Seeds Market
Increased consumption of tomatoes and tomato products boosts demand for tomato seeds
There has been rise in consumption of tomatoes and tomato products like tomato paste, tomato puree, tomato soup, and others across European countries in the recent years. Tomatoes and tomato products are widely used in cooking various Italian and Mediterranean dishes, which are very popular cuisines across Europe. Increasing health consciousness has also boosted tomato consumption as tomatoes are considered very nutritious and rich in antioxidants like lycopene. In order to meet the growing demand for tomatoes from processing industry as well as fresh consumption, the cultivation of tomatoes has increased significantly. This growing cultivation of tomatoes boosts demand for high quality tomato seeds from leading seed companies. Seed companies are launching new hybrid varieties which offer attributes like high yield, disease resistance and extended shelf life to cater to the needs of European farmers.
Advancements in hybridization and breeding technologies leads to new high yielding tomato varieties
Seed companies are continuously investing in researching and developing new hybrid tomato varieties through advanced hybridization and breeding technologies. Technologies like molecular breeding and marker assisted selection are helping seed breeders to develop varieties with tailored traits in a much faster way. Many new F1 hybrid varieties are being launched, which offer 10-20% higher yields compared to existing varieties. These also have features like uniform fruit size and shape, thicker fruit walls for longer shelf life and resistance to major diseases which are important for European farmers. These improved hybrids require less crop protection inputs and can help farmers maximize production while minimizing costs. The launch of such productive and resilient hybrid varieties can boost demand for tomato seeds.
Fluctuating weather patterns pose challenges for stable tomato cultivation
European countries experience variable weather conditions, which include extreme weather events like heat waves and heavy rainfall. Such erratic weather patterns pose risks for stable tomato cultivation. Sudden changes in temperature and heavy rains during the crop season can damage the tomato plants and reduce yields significantly. Unfavorable weather leads to lower tomato production across major growing regions in Europe. This instability in supply increases tomato prices and makes cultivation less profitable for farmers. Unpredictable weather conditions can hamper the growth of the tomato seeds market. Seed companies have to constantly breed varieties that can withstand dynamic weather while maintaining good productivity.
High input costs associated with tomato cultivation affect profit margins
Tomato cultivation requires substantial inputs in the form of labor, fertilizers, crop protection chemicals, irrigation, and others. Fertilizer and agrochemical prices have also been increasing globally, thus, putting pressure on the cost of tomato production. Additional costs are incurred for technologies like greenhouse farming, which is common for off-season tomato cultivation. High production expenses shrink the margins for tomato growers. During times of low tomato prices due to oversupply, cultivation may not be profitable. The tight margins discourage many farmers from expanding tomato acreage or adopting new varieties, thus, hampering the growth potential of the tomato seeds market.
New protected cultivation technologies offer opportunities for year-round production
Traditional outdoor cultivation of tomatoes in Europe is limited to summer months only due to climate restrictions. However, rising tomato demand leads to increased off-season production. Advanced greenhouse technologies controlled environments (CE) are emerging as viable solutions. CE employs various parameters like temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide to allow tomato cultivation throughout the year regardless of outdoors weather conditions. Such all-season production supported by new protection technologies opens up untapped market opportunities for tomato seeds.
Growing export demand from non-European markets presents a major market potential
Countries in the Middle East and Asia are significant importers of European tomatoes, particularly for processing. European tomato pastes and purees are highly valued worldwide for their consistent quality. However, exports still account for only a small portion of total European tomato production due to challenges in availability and inconsistent supply. If these limitations are addressed, the demand for exports could significantly boost tomato acreage and seed usage. Seed companies stand to gain greatly by developing varieties tailored to long shelf-life and export standards. Focusing on meeting the growing export demand outside of Europe could unlock a substantial new market for tomato seeds.
Link: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/market-insight/europe-tomato-seeds-market-4801
Key Developments
In January 2024, Bayer AG shared positive outcomes from two late-stage clinical trials of its menopause relief medication, which successfully reduced hot flashes and enhanced sleep quality. This breakthrough is particularly beneficial for the company’s pharmaceuticals division, which has recently faced some challenges.
In March 2023, Syngenta AG, a subsidiary of China National Chemical Corporation, introduced "Shoots by Syngenta," a global initiative designed to drive agricultural innovation, address major industry issues, and promote sustainable farming practices.
In January 2023, BASF SE and Cargill expanded their partnership to include the United States in their ongoing collaboration for developing and distributing feed enzymes.
Key Players
Advanta Seeds, BASF SE, Bayer AG, Bejo Zaden B.V., Atlee Burpee Company, Cronus Seeds, Groupe Limagrain, Hazera, Rijk Zwaan Zaadteelt en Zaadhandel B.V., Sakata Seed Corporation, Syngenta AG, Takii & Co., Ltd., Vilmorin & CIE, and Wing Seed
