The 2025 tomato processing season has concluded in the Northern Italy basin, a key production region, with processed volumes reaching 3.1 million metric tons, a 27.6 per cent year-on-year increase. Product quality is reported to be good, with high Brix levels. National production totaled 5.8 million metric tons, a slight year-on-year increase but about 10 per cent below expectations.
The season followed a period of unstable weather and uncertainty over yields. Although the planted area expanded in recent years, crop development was affected by heatwaves in June and July, followed by heavy rainfall in Northern Italy that reduced yields. Weather conditions improved in September, supporting plant growth and allowing a higher volume of tomatoes to reach processors.
Processing companies achieved these volumes despite high raw material prices linked to high Brix levels and challenges related to water availability.
Growers report that crop yields remain unsatisfactory. With expanded planted area, output reached 69.3 metric tons per hectare, compared with a five-year average of 73.2 metric tons per hectare, contributing to higher production costs.
With the 2025 output, Italy resumes its position as the world's second-largest tomato processor after the United States. Italy's ranking has been supported by reduced production in China, which has experienced a loss of market share globally.
Source: Mintec/Expana
