The results of the tomato campaign for the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Tomate La Cañada confirm that prices have improved. “In general, we could say the campaign has been acceptable, and even good. We need a few consecutive campaigns like this one to recover from the problems of previous seasons,” explains Francisco López Martínez, president of the Regulatory Board of the PGI Tomate La Cañada.
In general, prices are positive, taking into account the product’s added value due to their quality and differentiation.
Ribbed tomatoes
While it is true that April and May’s frequent rains have entailed lower production volumes, Francisco López affirms that quality has not been affected. “In general, fewer tomatoes have been produced this year, but the quality is the same. Our growers, who work in partnership with the technical teams of the seven firms associated within the Regulatory Board, and with the quality control department of the PGI, never change the quality and safety standards; therefore, quality always remains the same, regardless of external factors.”
Oblong tomatoes
In their competition with large tomato producers, such as the Netherlands and Morocco, La Cañada’s tomatoes rely on the quality provided by the optimal conditions of Almeria’s coast as well as on their growers’ hard work. “The Netherlands has been a competitor for many years. Our advantage over them is our weather, which allows us to produce during months when it is impossible for them. Additionally, Almeria’s production is 100% natural, without the need to invest in maintaining greenhouse temperatures; not to forget that our production area is much larger,” he points out.
Cherry tomatoes
“The difference in Morocco’s case is that it is a non-EU country, and we believe that the EU should ensure Almeria, as a part of a member state, can compete in the continent in a position of advantage over Morocco. Nevertheless, that is down to our institutional representatives and we, in the meantime, must continue working to remain competitive compared to Morocco and any other, just like we have done so far.”
The Regulatory Board of the PGI Tomate La Cañada certified last season a total of 1,000 hectares with a total of 12,000 tonnes. This year, even though the campaign’s final data have yet to be processed, it has been assured that these figures will be much higher.
Round smooth tomatoes
With 100% of its production under plastics, the PGI Tomate La Cañada is the EU’s recognition to seven firms which currently strive for quality, flavour and respect to a set of meticulous growing techniques and a strict quality control. “Only by meeting all of these requirements can the tomatoes receive the PGI’s distinction,” says Francisco López.
“There are only two tomato PGI’s in Europe, ours and another in Italy. However, La Cañada’s is the one with the largest production, by far. La Cañada’s tomatoes received the PGI both for their flavour and their lycopene and vitamin content, derived from their natural conditioning factors: soil, water salinity, light and temperature. To this we must add the expertise of our growers, with decades of experience in the growing and development of this crop.”
(Photo: Francisco López, President of the PGI Tomate La Cañada’s Regulatory Board).
Its main markets are distributed all over Europe; Germany, the UK and the Netherlands, as well as the French and Spanish markets, “despite the fact that the latter is suffering a severe financial crisis.” Outside of these countries, La Cañada’s tomatoes arrive, directly or indirectly, to every corner of the continent.
