This development has also led to investments in better infrastructure and more modern greenhouses in the southern European countries, so that producers can meet the high quality requirements with their produce. In recent years, the illuminated winter production of bush and cherry vine tomatoes has grown, particularly in the Benelux countries.

In Italy, the production of tomato specialties includes other varieties such as Costoluto and Camone, in addition to the well-known Piccadilly and San Marzano varieties. Therefore, in order to differentiate themselves more, Spanish producers are focusing on growing special varieties and specialties - such as the RAF, Monterosa, or Marmande tomatoes.

Despite the higher production costs due to the pandemic, we expect the percentage of standard imports from Moroccan and Turkish production to increase significantly this season. In Spain, high competition with Morocco is being felt for round tomatoes as well as for cherry and date cherry tomatoes. This trend is also unmistakable in the KÖLLA producing countries, the company reports.

Specialty and small tomatoes are gaining ground in Europe, Morocco, and Turkey against round and other classic tomato varieties.

Focus tomato