Spain faces 10% drop in processing tomato harvest; Italy's fresh tomato prices stable
Spanish processing tomato production in Extremadura is forecast to decrease by around 10% due to high temperatures, while Italian wholesale prices for fresh tomatoes remain stable despite weather contrasts.
Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias Extremadura estimates that the 2026 processing tomato harvest in Spain's main production region will be approximately 10% below initial contract volumes. The reduction is attributed to recent heatwaves, with some areas of Extremadura reporting nighttime temperatures close to 30°C, negatively impacting fruit set and accelerating ripening. Early tomato harvests are underway, with mid-season varieties expected to see production cuts of up to 15%.
In Italy, wholesale prices for fresh tomatoes are described as stable, with only a 4.7% decrease compared to the previous year. Cherry tomatoes are trading at €2.0–2.2/kg, datterino at €2.3–3.0/kg, and Piccadilly at around €1.5/kg. The red sauce (elongated) tomato has entered the market at approximately €1.2/kg. Market stability is supported by strong supply from central and southern Italy and a seasonally subdued demand.
Automation and precision irrigation are being implemented in Italy's industrial tomato sector, aiming to maintain yields and quality while reducing water use. Trials in Emilia-Romagna have shown up to 30% water savings with no loss in output, and a 50% reduction in blossom end rot cases, which may help buffer production against climatic extremes.
Turkey reported exports of 18,301 tonnes of dried tomatoes in the first half of 2026, generating €56.2 million (converted from $60,989,000 at current rates). Turkish dried tomatoes, processed mainly in Antalya, Mersin, and Izmir, are predominantly destined for European and US markets, strengthening Turkey's position as a value-added tomato supplier.
In the UK, the tomato producer Isle of Wight Tomatoes is investing in advanced forecasting to optimise supply and reduce waste, aiming to expand its domestic market share and lessen reliance on imports, which could influence demand for imported tomatoes in the UK and possibly in Poland and other Northern European markets.
Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker