(Tiper Stock Exchange) – “The data published by Anicav, who estimate a tomato harvest for 2023 of 5.6 million tons, are certainly a good figure on paper even if I fear too optimistic, at least for Northern Italy. In fact, the effects of the latest severe hailstorms that hit our area have greatly reduced the hectares to be harvested and the relative yields”. So in a note Alessandro Squeri, General Manager of Steriltom, company active in the production of tomato pulp at European level.
“This fact is especially true in Romagna where 5 hailstorms were added to the extensive damage caused by the May flood. Now we all count on the skill and experience of our farmers, who can at least recover what can be saved, even if faced with certain situations there isn’t much left to do. The campaign in Northern Italy – adds Squeri – is compromised and I fear losses of more than 15% compared to initial estimates, with peaks of 30% in certain areas”.
“To the already serious damage of bad weather – he continues – then there is the threat deriving from foreign competition, above all from China, which brings tomato concentrate a off-market prices. There european production, and in particular the Italian one, has always stood out for its sustainability and safety which it offers to the final consumer. Of course, products from some non-European countries cost less, but in exchange for levels of dangerous pesticides, of environmental damage, lack of traceability and controls in the supply chain and so on. Not to mention ethical issues such as respect for local populations and forced labor in the field recognized in some cases even by the UN”.
“It is clear – continues Squeri – that faced the dumping of these states industry by itself it does not have many contrast agents. It would take a intervention at the European level which we hope will restore greater protection to the domestic market, and more stringent rules for imports from third countries especially in ethical and sustainability terms, as has been done recently, for example by the United States and England”.
“Like Steriltom – underlines Squeri – despite the obvious difficultieswe are organizing ourselves to guarantee the quantities booked by our historical customers, working together with our over 200 farmers and our 700 employees, thanks to whom, in 2022, we processed over 4.2 million quintals of tomatoes with a turnover of 155 million euros. Estimates we look forward to reach and surpass even for the 2023 campaign”, he concludes.