Rijk Zwaan recently organized the Tomeet tomato congress under the theme “Innovating to lead: challenges and solutions” on April 2 at the Cajamar headquarters in the Industrial and Technological Park of Almeria (PITA). The event featured a robust program of lectures and round table discussions that delved into the main challenges facing the tomato sector. Market developments and consumption trends in the Mediterranean region and across the Atlantic Ocean were also reviewed. The congress specifically focused on strategies to enhance the competitiveness of Spanish tomatoes, especially those from Almeria, compared to other European suppliers.
The congress commenced with a welcome address by Ricardo Ortiz, Sales Director of Rijk Zwaan Ibérica, followed by an overview of the tomato production sector in Spain by Luis Miguel Fernández, Manager of Coexphal. Ana Cabrera, a market technician from the Cajamar Group, provided insights into the history of tomato cultivation in the Mediterranean Arc, highlighting Turkey as a key player with significant potential to increase sales to Europe.
María José González, Executive of NIQ’s Consumer & Marketing Insights Department, and Liam Booles, Commercial Director of APS Group, shared data on tomato consumption in Europe and the UK. David del Pino, Managing Director of Freshtrategy, discussed market trends and competitive attributes of tomatoes, emphasizing the value of Spain’s tomato marketing service.
Amar Raja, VP of International Development at Mastronardi Produce (Sunset), analyzed tomato market trends in North America, highlighting the strength of branded tomato sales in the US and the dominance of imports from Mexico and Canada. The event also featured discussions on the role of Spain and Portugal as key tomato producers.
Alberto Cuadrado, Global Client Manager of Rijk Zwaan Ibérica, presented an analysis of the tomato sector, while Mabel Salinas, Head of Administration and Communication at Grupo Caparrós, shared insights on Almerian tomatoes and the work of the Cofradía Gastronómica del Tomate de Almería. The congress concluded with a round table discussion on Spain and Portugal as key producer countries.
Manuel Hernández Fernández and David Herzog of Rijk Zwaan provided an overview of the company’s efforts to address the challenges faced by tomato growers, including the impact of ToBRFV, a concerning pest. Rijk Zwaan is actively developing highly resistant tomato varieties to combat this threat.
Overall, the Tomeet tomato congress provided a platform for industry experts to exchange knowledge and strategies to enhance the competitiveness of Spanish tomatoes in the European market. The event highlighted the importance of innovation and collaboration in overcoming challenges and driving the sector forward. For more information and photos from the event, visit the official website.
