Tunisia

Tunisia’s chili and pepper sector is a national staple, with 21,200 hectares dedicated to cultivation by 2014 and yields averaging 16–18 tons per hectare. Production typically exceeds 400,000 tonnes annually, supporting both domestic cuisine—where harissa and other chili pastes are foundational—and strong exports throughout the Mediterranean.

Tunisian peppers are grown primarily in the Sahel and Cap Bon regions, with focus shifting from traditional open-field farming towards improved hybrid varieties and regional specialty products. Pepper cultivation is closely tied to the country’s culinary identity, economic stability, and smallholder family livelihoods.