Different Spanish companies with a long track record in the horticultural sector, such as Biosabor, CASI, Agroponiente, Vegacañada, and Zoi Agrícola, have decided to revive the Tomate La Cañada Protected Geographical Indication, one of the few commercial instruments available to differentiate tomatoes on the market.
"Over the years, we've grown and perfected these tomato varieties with great care and dedication so that they are now appreciated and recognized everywhere in the country. Tomate de La Cañada is a different, unique tomato, not only thanks to the water, climate, light, and soil in the area where it's grown but, most importantly, thanks to the tradition and wisdom of the farmers who produce it. The PGI wants to highlight all of this and promote this tomato so that it's recognized throughout the world," stated Francisco Belmonte, the president of the PGI.
Currently, there are only two Protected Geographical Indications for tomatoes in all of Europe, one in Sicily and the other in La Cañada, in Almería. The latter was established in October 2007, and since then, it has promoted this product's distinctive qualities. Now, the sector has decided to promote and strengthen this project, which is open to any company or tomato that meets the requirements of the PGI.
"Promoting our tomato is just what we need, especially in these difficult times. Almería has the best tomatoes in the world," stated government delegates Aránzazu Martín.
"Today, several companies have joined together to relaunch the Tomate La Cañada PGI and make this quality tomato known to more people. The local authorities agree with CASI, Agroponiente, Biosabor, Vegacañada, and Zoi Agrícola that this quality tomato should be promoted on the global market. It's taken a lot of effort and innovation for us to be able to present the best tomato in the world," stated Carmen Crepos, the Regional Minister of Agriculture.
For more information:
Consejo Regulador de la IGP “Tomate La Cañada-Níjar”
Ctra. De Ronda 11, bajo. Edificio Oliveros Almería
04004 Almería
Tel.: +34 950 60 02 00
tomate-lcn@agrocolor.es