The energy crisis might seemingly have passed, but there are more than enough challenges out there for the British Tomato Conference. Rugose, labour, import rules, and market challenges are out there – but there's also good news as market data shows tomato performance is currently at its best. It's all being discussed today at the British Tomato Conference, taking place in Warwickshire.
The British tomato industry brought up many well-known companies and growers, but if you look at the numbers, and put them on a global scale, it is quite a small industry: Chairman Simon Conway, Chair of the British Tomato Growers Association, mentioned the latest Defra statistics, talking about 200 hectares, and a self-sufficiency level of only 16 percent.
But, there's positivity too – and not just because these numbers offer growth potential – but also because according to data from Laura Fry with market research company Kantar, tomato performance is actually at its best currently, offering potential for premium products and online sales. Abigail Lawson discussed the British Tomato Fortnight Campaign 2024, which due to a slimmer budget also focused on the online presence, and which, again according to the Kantar market data, continues to drive tomato sales.
The morning program also featured Martijn Eggink with Rijk Zwaan and Adrian Fox with Fera Science dove into ToBRFV, the virus that Simon described as the biggest challenge for tomato growers currently.
The program today will also focus on energy, sustainability, and the future workforce - but more about that tomorrow!