At the start of the French tomato season, the offer, which is mainly made up of imported produce at this time of year, has decreased, despite an increase in harvest compared to the same time last year. This decrease comes alongside an increasing consumer demand due to the mild weather with temperatures higher than normal and a lot of sun as of the second week of April.
The offer is largely made up of vine tomatoes which are seeing an increase of production in heated greenhouses, which is the most effective form of production. This increase in acreage has allowed for an 8% increase in vine tomato harvest over the year. Production of “traditional” varieties such as the Coeur de Boeuf and Noire de Crimée have continued to increase as well this year.
Production acreage has decreased by -3% to 2,250 hectares, 20% below the 2010-2014 average. Greenhouse production sees the largest decrease, mainly cold greenhouses with a 10% decrease over the year, whilst heated greenhouses only decrease by 1%.
Meanwhile, production has increased by 2% compared to 2014 and the 2010-2014 average and is expected to reach 591,300 tons. Yield continues to increase, up 11% compared to the 2010-2014 average. The increased harvest began as of the start of the season, with a peak in production expected in July before the seasonal decrease as Autumn begins.
In 2013, Italy made up for 35% of tomato production in Europe, followed by Spain with 25%, Portugal 8%, Greece 7%, Holland 6% and France 5% (remaining 14% from other countries). Brittany is the leading production region in France with 37% of national production, stable over the year.