During Tomato Excellence in Vittoria, Sicily, HM Clause discussed its innovations for 2025 and the challenges facing the tomato sector at its stand. Agostino Marcellino, HM Clause's sales manager for Sicily, shared the company's vision and analyzed the current market.
HM Clause continues to prioritize tomatoes, a pivotal sector for Italy's agriculture and for protected crops in general. The novelties for 2025 focus on introducing the Intuitivo F1 variety.
Marcellino explained, "This is a cherry tomato with intermediate resistance to the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV). It is designed for autumn transplants from September to November for winter harvests. This variety was developed to supply Europe with vegetables during the winter. Sicily's climate allows for production in cold greenhouses without heating by using only sunlight during the winter months. This time window is fundamental for developing the area and its supply chain."
© Giancarlo Fabbri | HortiDaily.comAlessandro Cinquerrui, Sales Manager Western Sicily (HM.CLause Italia), together with Davide Puglisi and Agostino Marcellino, HM Clause's Area Manager Sicily.
Another novelty has been introduced to the datterino tomato segment: the Culto F1 variety. This premium variety is known for its exceptional taste and quality, offering local farmers the potential for a high income.
In the current situation, concerns about the spread of viruses, particularly ToBRFV, require attention. According to Agostino Marcellino, even though effective resistant varieties are available, the battle is far from over. In the past, the company has taken preventive measures in the area by providing information on prophylaxis. However, the facts on the ground confirm that "resistance is really the only effective form of defense. There is some confusion in the industry," says Marcellino. "Not all operators have fully grasped the importance of resistance, resorting to less scientific methods or unorthodox approaches." HM Clause continues to offer its know-how and information on genetics, striving to explain the best strategies with transparency and clarity.
On the commercial and competition front in the Mediterranean basin, Agostino Marcellino says: "Our main competitors arise from our internal challenges and shortcomings. Morocco, for example, has been very responsive and proactive in fighting the Tobamovirus. They have adopted a strong strategy of using resistant varieties, positioning themselves ahead of our counteractions. This strategy enables Morocco to maintain a consistent presence in the market, and offer a more reliable and standardized product."
Marcellino also warns: "Let's not fall back on our convictions. Let's not think that we are always better or stronger. We must work collectively along the entire supply chain to ensure a constant market presence with quality products and we must support producers' income, which is crucial for production areas."
HM Clause maintains an active presence at the most important trade fairs in the industry. After Macfrut and Tomato Excellence, the company will be present at Frutech in Catania and Fruit Attraction in Madrid. The Madrid fair is particularly important for Sicilian producers. The company recognizes the importance of observing and adapting to changes in the world in order to address new challenges.
For more information:
HM.Clause Italy
Davide Puglisi
Area Sales Manager
+39 338 623 2130
Giovanni Canino
Food Chain Manager
+393357073205
Agostino Marcellino
Sicily Area Manager
+39336756037