The Russian market is opening up new commercial prospects for Tunisian producers and converters of tomato paste, driven by increasing demand for products destined for the food industry and restaurant sector, particularly pizza sauces. According to Amira Jouadi, director of the Export Promotion Office in Moscow, these products are in high demand in Russia. She met with Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP) at the Tunisian pavilion on the sidelines of the third Russian-African Forum in Moscow on October 28-29, 2026.
The food industry currently accounts for 70% of Tunisia's exports to Russia, and Jouadi sees potential for growth in tomato paste exports to diversify products destined for this market. With 26 units for tomato processing, Tunisia has a significant industrial base, producing around 120,000 tons of concentrated tomato paste annually from 750,000 tons of fresh tomatoes processed over the past decade. This puts Tunisia among the leading countries in global tomato processing.
The majority of Tunisia's tomato paste production is currently directed towards the domestic market, which absorbs around 100,000 tons of double-concentrated paste annually. Exports are mainly destined for Libya, which accounts for around 70% of the value, and France. However, Jouadi believes that Russia offers new opportunities for Tunisian producers looking to expand their markets.
Tunisia's tomato processing industry is characterized by significant industrial capacity, with seven units equipped with sterile packaging lines that allow for the production of aseptic packaging. These units have a capacity to process 5,000 tons of fresh tomatoes daily. According to data from the Joint Professional Association of Food Canners, this capacity positions Tunisia well to meet the demands of the Russian market.
Tunisian exports to Russia have increased by 14% during the first nine months of 2026, reaching 32.4 million dinars, according to data from the Export Promotion Office in Moscow. Olive oil and dates are among the top Tunisian products marketed in Russia. Jouadi emphasized that the food industry remains a cornerstone of Tunisia's commercial presence in Russia.
The Export Promotion Office and the Tunisian Embassy in Russia are adopting a strategy of direct support for Tunisian exporters to capitalize on identified opportunities and convert Russian market needs into commercial contracts. Jouadi's comments highlight the potential for growth in trade between Tunisia and Russia in the food industry sector.
As Tunisia seeks to expand its exports of tomato paste to Russia, the industry is poised to benefit from increasing demand for products destined for the food industry and restaurant sector. With the right strategies in place, Tunisian producers and converters may capitalize on this growing interest in their products.
Key points
- Tunisian tomato paste producers see new opportunities in Russia
- Russia's growing demand for tomato paste presents opportunities for Tunisian exporters
- Tunisia's food industry exports to Russia have increased by 14% in 2026
