Italy: 2nd largest producer of tomatoes

The Association Méditeranéenne Internationale de la Tomate - Mediterranean International Association of the Processing Tomato (AMITOM) and the World Processing Tomato Council (WPTC) named Italy as the second largest producer of tomatoes in the world. It accounts for 5.2 million tons of processed tomato, and now exceeding the production of their historical competitor, China.

Next to the USA, Italy represents 14% of worldwide production and 49% of European processing, with a total turnover of over 3.1 billion euro, about half of which is from exports. 

According to a study presented at the event, over the coming years global demand will send the quota of prepared tomato-based sauces beyond that of pesto-based sauces. 

The Tomato Day conference which was held at Cibus Tec on October 27 together with AMITOM and the WPTC also included the request for PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) for peeled tomatoes, which, whole and flavorsome, may be considered the best testimonials to the excellence of Italy’s produce in the four corners of the world. 

Related report:  Cibus Tec 2016: Focus on fruit juice and dairy