Largest Producer of Tomatoes: China is the biggest producer of tomatoes in the world. The fruit is grown all across the country and, in particular, is found in the provinces of Xinjiang and Shandong. Chinese tomatoes are found in fresh consumption and in the processed market in the form of products like ketchup, sauces, and paste. Keep reading for more details.
Read More: Which Country is the Largest Producer of Potatoes in the World?
Which Country is the Largest Producer of Tomatoes in the World?
China produces 68.2 million tonnes of tomatoes a year, making it the leading country in the world. China is the largest producer in the tomato space due to huge industrial farms and a healthy processing industry. In addition, China is the world's largest exporter of tomato paste to markets in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
How Many Tomatoes Does China Produce?
China produces 68.2 million metric tonnes of tomatoes each year, much more than any other country in the world, mainly for tomato paste, sauces, and canning. The Xinjiang region of China provides a much larger chunk of this production because of the large irrigation and drier weather.
Top 5 Tomato Producing Countries in The World
| Rank | Country | Annual Production (in Metric Tonnes) |
| 1 | China | 68.2M t |
| 2 | India | 20.7M t |
| 3 | Turkey | 13M t |
| 4 | United States | 10.2M t |
| 5 | Egypt | 6.3M t |
Note: Data based on World Population Review.
1. China
China is the world's largest tomato producer. Tomatoes are cultivated throughout China, but one region in particular, the northwestern region of Xinjiang, is well-known for extensive, high-efficiency farms. Chinese tomatoes are considered fresh or are typically used in soups, stir-fries, and many different sauces, including tomato paste.
2. India
India is the world's second-largest tomato producer, producing around 20.7 million tonnes per year. The primary producing states include Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka. Indian tomatoes are an important ingredient in many dishes, curries, chutneys, and many different street foods such as chaat and pav bhaji.
3. Turkey
Turkey is the third largest producer of tomatoes in the world. Most tomato-growing occurs in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions. Turkish tomatoes are used in fresh consumption, sauces, and pastes. Turkey's largest markets include those in Europe and the Middle East.
4. United States
The United States produces more than 10 million tonnes of tomatoes each year. California is the main region for tomato farming, especially processing tomatoes. Fresh-market tomatoes come primarily from Florida. Americans consume a lot of tomatoes in their cuisine, pizza, burgers, salads, and the list goes on.
5. Egypt
Egypt is the fifth largest producer of tomatoes, producing approximately 6.3 million tonnes annually. Tomatoes are a major part of the Egyptian diet and are well suited for the Nile Delta and Upper Egypt.
Which Other Countries Grow Tomatoes?
Italy is a notable producer of Roma and San Marzano tomatoes for high-end sauces, but there are a number of other countries on the list that are also very well-known tomato growers, such as Iran, Italy, Brazil, Russia, and Mexico.
Amazing Facts about Tomatoes
Fruit or Veggie?
Tomatoes are botanically fruits but culinarily are treated as vegetables. This is why they are found in both salads and savoury sauces.
Old World Favourite
Even though tomatoes are native to South America, they took off in Europe and became a culinary staple. Now they are part of the Italian, Spanish, and French culinary cultures.
Nutritional Powerhouses
Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene. Regular consumption of tomatoes may help improve heart health and may decrease risk for certain diseases.
Tomato Paste King
China is the number one world producer of tomato paste, which is sourced in pasta sauces, pizza sauces and mass-produced canned products.
Festive Fun
Spain’s La Tomatina is the world’s biggest tomato fight. Thousands gather each year to throw over 100 tonnes of ripe tomatoes for fun.
Read More: Which Country is the Largest Producer of Pineapples in the World?
