La Torrente to process 100 thousand tons of processed tomatoes

The industrial tomato processing season is about to start with prospects of increased production, explained Giuseppe Torrente, owner and marketing manager at La Torrente, an Italian company based in Campania that works in the processed tomato segment.

Torrente explained that around 70 thousand tons of tomatoes are processed on average, with great response in some reference countries such as Japan, Spain, France and Germany. Future projects include a new line of yellow tomato puree in glass jars, which is in high demand in the high-end pizzeria and restaurant segment.”

He also added that 85% of turnover comes from the domestic market. In terms of exports, the brand can be found in Spain, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Sweden, the United States, Canada, Japan and India.

According to La Torrente’s manager, a new 34,000 m² facility is expected to be inaugurated, of which 16,000 m² are covered. The objective is to increase production capacity with volumes exceeding 100 thousand tons of processed tomatoes.

The framework agreement for the 2024 industrial tomato season in the South-Central Italian Basin was reached in early July. Without prejudice to the contractual autonomy of the parties when signing supply agreements, the parties have established an average reference price of €150/ton for round tomatoes, €160/ton for oblong tomatoes and an increase of €30/ton for organic tomatoes, based on a series of well-defined criteria.

“We will start the by-product campaign with volumes that will increase as the various productions reach the right degree of ripeness and sweetness. The industrial tomato market is in fact demanding larger fruit, higher Brix levels and deeper red color,” reports

“According to the agricultural sector, volumes will be lower than during the previous season despite the acceptable weather and the absence of late frosts. Over the years, our producers have in fact guaranteed the high quality of their fruits, obtained also thanks to the grading already done in the fields at the time of harvest. However, everything also depends on the weather when it comes to tomatoes, as the season is long and continues until October.”

La Torrente is one of the leading canning companies in southern Italy, whose brand identifies a wide range of all-Italian products made with both traditional and organic products. The assortment includes around 80 products, including whole tomatoes, peeled tomatoes, tomato puree and fillets, prepared sauces and a premium line dedicated to high-end specialty products. These products are obtained by processing more than 10 varieties of tomatoes, including oblong and round tomatoes, yellow tomatoes, San Marzano tomatoes, Pomodorino del Piennolo del Vesuvio, corbarino tomatoes and mountain cherry tomatoes.

“The first half of 2024 has ended well thanks to the planned promotional activities. The aim is to promote our products to enter new markets, intercept new consumption trends and also address issues related to the competitiveness of agri-food products in the current scenario. As far as tomato by-products are concerned, Italy has undisputed expertise and high quality compared to other producing countries.”

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