Tunisia is set to begin its pomegranate season with a forecasted production increase compared to the previous year. The harvest is expected to reach nearly 98,000 tonnes in 2026, up from 91,000 tonnes in the previous season, representing an 8% growth. The total area dedicated to pomegranate cultivation across the country is approximately 10,472 hectares, with nearly 4 million 679 thousand trees.
Tarek Tira, head of the commercial department within the Interprofessional Fruit Group, presented these indicators during an appearance on the "Agromagh" program on October 1, 2026. He discussed the evolution of production, harvest estimates, and the reality of prices and marketing prospects for the product. Pomegranate cultivation in Tunisia is primarily concentrated in four production hubs: the governorates of Gabès, Kairouan, and Nabeul, as well as the Testour region in the Béja governorate.
This season marks the emergence of the Manouba governorate as one of the pomegranate-producing areas, with an estimated harvest of around 11,000 tonnes, placing it fifth in terms of national production volume. The Jendouba governorate ranks sixth, particularly through the delegations of Ghardimaou and Oued Mliz, which are distinguished by their high-quality pomegranate production, estimated at around 4,170 tonnes.
However, pomegranate production in the Gabès governorate has declined during the current season, estimated at around 17,000 tonnes, representing a 13% decrease compared to the previous season. This decline is attributed to several factors, including a significant increase in temperatures that affected the region's productivity.
Regarding pomegranate exports, Tarek Tira indicated that the date of September 29 was set for the launch of the export season, in coordination with the various parties involved in the sector. The Libyan market absorbed nearly 97% of the quantities exported by land during the previous season, mainly due to geographical proximity and lower transportation costs compared to other markets.
Efforts are ongoing to strengthen the presence of Tunisian pomegranates in European markets, despite the limited quantities exported to these destinations in 2025, which reached 318 tonnes, up from 2024. Tarek Tira reported demand for Tunisian pomegranates in several European markets during the current season, which is expected to contribute to an increase in exported volumes compared to the previous season.
However, exports of Tunisian pomegranates to Gulf countries remain limited, not exceeding a few dozen tonnes, due to several factors, primarily related to logistical constraints. The geographical distance and high transportation costs are significant obstacles to developing exports to these markets, with air transport, although rapid, only allowing for the export of small quantities.
Key points
- Tunisian pomegranate production is expected to reach nearly 98,000 tonnes in 2026, an 8% increase from the previous season.
- The Libyan market absorbed nearly 97% of the quantities exported by land during the previous season.
- Efforts are ongoing to strengthen the presence of Tunisian pomegranates in European markets.
