CANNED FOOD PRODUCTION IN TUNISIA

Tunisia's canned food industry plays a significant role in the nation's agri-food sector, particularly in the processing of tomatoes and fruits.

Tomato Processing:
Over the past decade, Tunisia has processed an average of 750,000 tons of fresh tomatoes annually, yielding approximately 120,000 tons of double concentrated tomato paste (DCT). The domestic market consumes nearly 100,000 tons of this production each year, with the remainder exported, primarily to Libya and, to a lesser extent, European and African countries. Notably, Tunisia boasts the highest per capita consumption of DCT worldwide, averaging around 55 kg per person annually.

Fruit Canning:
The fruit canning sector comprises twelve units focused mainly on jam production from fruits such as quince, apricot, fig, and strawberry. The annual production of canned fruits is approximately 12,000 tons, against a theoretical capacity of 20,000 tons.

Canned Vegetables:
Canned tomatoes dominate the canned vegetables segment, accounting for about 90% of the activity, with an annual processing average of around 600,000 tons of fresh tomatoes.

Market Dynamics: The Tunisian food production industry is projected to reach $5.5 billion by 2026, reflecting a steady annual increase of 1% since 1966. Despite this growth, Tunisia ranks 74th globally in food production, with countries like Serbia ahead at $5.2 billion.

In summary, Tunisia's canned food industry, particularly in tomato and fruit processing, is a vital component of the country's agri-food sector, catering to both domestic consumption and export markets.