AMITOM European processing tomato update
In the latest tomato processing report from the International Mediterranean Association of Processed Tomatoes (AMITOM), it was reported that planting is now finished, and harvest has started in some Southern European regions.
In France, planting concluded on June 21st across 2,400 hectares, with less than 300 hectares being organic. Unsettled spring weather, including cold, rain, and hail, has fostered the development of blight and bacteriosis which would reduce yields, especially for the organic crop. Harvesting is expected to start on July 18th in the southeast and between August 5th and 10th in the southwest, with an estimated production between 170,000 and 180,000 tonnes according to AMITOM.
Greece has experienced favorable weather thus far, promoting good crop growth, although in Greece and much of Southern Europe high temperatures and heatwaves may result in heat stress and lower yields. The first factories have opened, with the remaining opening around July 20th. Due to minimal spring rainfall, there are already concerns regarding water availability for the 2025 crop.
In Northern Italy, transplanting finished last week in the Piacenza area after a stormy spring. Consequently, the harvest is expected to be delayed by 7-10 days. Most volumes will be available in September, with the production forecast to be a maximum of 2.8 million tonnes, assuming favorable weather continues. In Southern Italy, the main concern is water availability particularly in Puglia as the season advances. In South Italy, the forecast remains about 2.6 million tonnes. Italy’s total forecast remains unchanged y-o-y at 5.4 million tonnes. Turning to Portugal the nation has experienced a cold and rainy June, with recent storms causing flooding and potential field damage. The harvest is expected to start late in August due to delayed planting, production is forecast at 1.5 million tonnes unchanged y-o-y by AMITOM.
In Spain, heavy rain and storms have raised concerns that disease could increase within the crop potentially hampering final production numbers although this remains a watch-out factor. The harvest will likely start late due to delayed planting and cool weather in late spring, with expected start dates of July 18th in Andalusia, late July/early August in Extremadura, and August 10-15 in the North. The forecast remains at 2.8 million tonnes up from 2.6 million tonnes in 2023.
Turkey’s forecast remains unchanged y-o-y at 2.7 million tonnes, with good weather and no disease issues reported, processing factories are reportedly open. In Ukraine, planting is now complete on an estimated 6,200 hectares. The weather has been favorable, with no major issues reported, and the production forecast stands at 600,000 tonnes, with the harvest beginning in the second week of August.
Côte d’Ivoire President replaces Head of Cotton and Cashew Council
The President of Côte d’Ivoire replaced the head of the Cotton and Cashew Council (Conseil du Coton et de l’Anacarde – CCA) late last week.
Dr. Adama Coulibaly has been the director of the state company responsible for the two sectors since August 2017 and has spent the four preceding years as deputy director.
He was replaced temporarily by deputy director Mamadou Berte. In a communiqué, Mr. Berte sought to “reassure the entirety of the actors and partners of the cotton and cashew industries, both domestically and internationally, of his determination to pursue the implementation of the development policy of the two sectors, and to respect the engagements of the Council.”
According to the government spokesperson who made the announcement last week, the decision came after the executive branch “took a closer look at the management of state companies”, a step which “revealed dysfunction and management problems”. The head of the Ivorian Broadcast Television Company (RFI) was also removed from his post at the same time.
A spokesperson for the Conseil du Coton et de l’Anacarde told Expana that no change in policy is expected following this move and referred to the ministerial statement regarding the reasons behind it.
The cashew market has been deeply affected by the decision by Ivorian authorities earlier this year to restrict exports of raw cashews, a move meant to ensure adequate supply for domestic processors. The country is the single largest grower of cashew nuts and the third largest processor. The cashew industry represents 8-9% of Côte d’Ivoire’s GDP and is a critical part of the government’s attempt to increase the volume of Ivorian exports which are at least partially processed within the country.
The change in the CCA leadership has so far had little to no impact on cashew kernel prices, with the Expana Benchmark Prices (EBP) for WW320 cashew kernel grade only marginally up in Vietnam by 1 cent during the week of 19th July (FOB Vietnam) at $3.38/lb and the EBP for Côte d’Ivoire-processed (FOB Côte d’Ivoire) WW320 cashews steady w-o-w at $3.60/lb.
For the latest in nuts, fruits and vegetables, save your seat at our upcoming webinar series below.
Written by Nick Wood
