The Portuguese tomato industry, whose campaign takes place in August and September, hopes to maintain the "high degree of competitiveness" which makes it the second most profitable in the world, said an industry source.
He highlighted that Portugal is currently "one of the major" tomato producers and the world's fifth exporter, with sales amounting to 250 million Euro.
In August and September, when the tomato campaign takes place, around 1.2 million tonnes are harvested in Portugal before being shipped for processing. 95% of them are exported to more than 40 countries worldwide, from Europe to Japan and South America.
In total, the sector generates 6,500 direct and indirect jobs in Portugal. Especially in areas within the country, with Portuguese firms being "recognised worldwide for the quality of their products," assured Miguel Cambezes.
According to the AIT, Portuguese tomato growers are, in terms of performance per hectare, the second largest in the world, only surpassed by California and the US.