Morocco’s tomato exports face scrutiny over mislabeling in Spanish supermarkets
COAG calls for action after court ruling on origin labels, saying consumers are being misled by produce labeled as Moroccan.
MOROCCO – Morocco’s booming tomato exports to Europe have come under new criticism as Spanish farmers claim that cherry tomatoes grown in Western Sahara are being sold in local supermarkets under the label “Morocco.”
The Coordinator of Farmers’ and Livestock Breeders’ Organisations (COAG) has asked the Spanish Ministry of Consumer Affairs to act on a court ruling that requires clear labeling of products from the disputed territory.
The Court of Justice of the European Union issued the ruling on October 4, 2023. It stated that all fruits and vegetables produced in Western Sahara must clearly indicate their true origin.
COAG claims the law is being ignored and has sent a letter to Pablo Bustinduy, Minister of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and the 2030 Agenda, demanding answers.
“The rights of the people who consume these products are being violated because these large companies produce them in Western Sahara for export and, surprisingly, no one has seen a vegetable labeled with this origin anywhere in the EU,” said Andrés Góngora, who leads COAG’s fruit and vegetable sector.
According to COAG, imports of certain vegetables with a “Morocco” label have increased over recent seasons. However, some of the companies behind these exports also operate farms in Western Sahara. COAG believes this confuses consumers and gives these companies an unfair advantage.
“It’s clear that the real origin of the products is being deliberately concealed, affecting the interests of consumers, producers, and the Sahrawi population itself,” Góngora added.
“This cannot be ignored by the competent authorities, especially when there is a clear court ruling that had to be enforced since its publication in October.”
COAG has long argued that the EU-Morocco Association Agreement allows products from Western Sahara to bypass labeling laws, which goes against EU consumer protection rules. The court ruling from last year appeared to support COAG’s claims, but farmers say enforcement remains weak.
Rising exports and farmer tensions
The issue comes at a time when Morocco’s tomato exports to Europe have grown rapidly. In the year ending September 2024, the country shipped more than 528,000 tonnes of tomatoes to the EU.
France received the most, but Spain also saw a sharp rise in imports. During the first half of 2024, Spain bought 125.5 million kilograms of Moroccan fruit, valued at €434.1 million ($451.5 million).
Spanish farmers argue that Morocco has exceeded duty-free import limits, driving down prices and placing pressure on local producers.
Many believe the current trade deal between the EU and Morocco favors exporters outside Spain, while also creating loopholes that allow mislabeling to continue unchecked.
COAG is now calling on the Spanish government and EU bodies to step up enforcement. The group insists that shoppers must be told where their food comes from and that both farmers and consumers deserve honesty in the market.
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