Processing tomatoes: green light for the long-awaited agreement on harvesting in central and southern Italy

An average reference price has been set at 140 euros per tonne for round tomatoes, 150 euros for plum tomatoes and 210 euros for cherry tomatoes, with a price increase of 45 euros per tonne for organic tomatoes across all three varieties (without prejudice to the contractual autonomy of individual companies when signing supply contracts). It was agreed to maintain the price differential between round and plum tomatoes with the shared aim of specifically promoting the production of peeled tomatoes, including through joint support for the recognition of the PGI ‘Pomodoro Pelato di Napoli’.

This is a summary of the agreement reached between Anicav (National Association of Vegetable Food Preserves Manufacturers), and the producer organisations (OPs) of the Central and Southern Italia region for the forthcoming tomato processing season, of which Italy is among the world leaders. This agreement was expected after the agreement for the North had been reached as early as 30 March.

According to a statement from Anicav, the agreement is “the result of responsible and constructive discussions between the parties, confirming their shared commitment to ensuring stability, planning and operational continuity across the entire industrial tomato supply chain”. The parties have confirmed the framework of the Area Framework Agreement for the previous 2024 and 2025 marketing years.

“A sense of responsibility prevailed on both sides,” says Pasquale D’Acunzi, Coordinator of Anicav’s Central and Southern Committee –. Our aim was to provide certainty for the supply chain. It was essential to give businesses and producers a clear framework within which to manage the season with the necessary peace of mind. We could not have afforded to tackle the upcoming processing season without a contract and without an average reference price. It would have been too great a risk. My hope is that this agreement will become a stable benchmark for the entire supply chain, helping to strengthen a climate of trust, responsibility and balance in relations between the agricultural and industrial sectors. This is an essential prerequisite for ensuring planning, certainty and mutual benefits.”