The countdown to the tomato season in Italy, Spain and Portugal has begun: The tender tomato plants are planted in the ground at the beginning of April. In northern Italy, the area under cultivation is expected to increase slightly compared to the previous year. A similar increase is expected in southern Italy, Spain and Portugal. In any case, tomatoes remain an economically interesting crop for farmers, as neither maize nor wheat can keep up from an economic point of view.

While prices in Spain and Portugal have already been negotiated - and are around €110 per tonne of raw material, just like in 2025 - no agreement has yet been reached in Italy. However, our expert expects a slightly lower level compared to the previous year. This would reduce the price differences between the European growing countries. He expects an agreement to be reached in Italy in May.

While the tomato season is just getting started in Europe, it is already in full swing in the southern hemisphere. In Chile, for example, the harvest began around three weeks ago and will continue into April. The forecasts are solid. The country produces 100 per cent tomato paste, which is priced between European and Chinese produce.

Now we have to wait and see how the plantings in Europe progress - and how the weather develops. We will continue to report for you.