Italy has been named the world's biggest exporter of both peeled and pulp tomatoes, accounting for a 77% global market share according to 2016 figures, according to a report from Ismea and Nielsen.
Italy is also global leader for exports of tomato purée and concentrated tomato with a 26% share, ahead of China which holds. 25%.
The report highlights that retail sales of tomato purée and concentrated tomato have grown for the first time in ten years, by 1.7% in volume and 1.1% in value.
Italian Industry
The Italian tomato industry experienced a turnover of €3.2 billion in 2016. In particular, sauces and cherry tomatoes experienced a growth in value of 6.9% and 8% respectively, in January-April 2017.
However, Italy continues to import significant quantities of purée and concentrated tomato, with a value of €154 million in 2016 - 54.4% more than five years ago.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine
