FRESH TOMATO CONSUMPTION IN ITALY : A GROWING TREND
In Italy, the undisputed home of the Mediterranean diet, renowned for its delicious cuisine, there has been a surge in the consumption of fresh tomatoes in recent years .
This fruit, once considered merely a basic ingredient, is now a star on Italian tables and is increasingly appreciated worldwide .
Data show a significant uptick in the purchase of fresh tomatoes in Italy , both by private consumers and by the Ho.Re.Ca channels.
This trend could be attributed to several factors :
– Health consciousness: as consumers become more aware of the nutritional benefits of tomatoes, in particular of their rich content of vitamins and antioxidants,they are incorporating more of these fruits into their diets.
– Culinary versatility : tomatoes are a staple ingredient in the Italian dishes, from pasta , pizza , meet and fish sauces to salads on every meal. Their versatility allows for endless culinary possibilities, appealing to both home cooks and professional chefs.
– Link with the territory : the rise of farm-to-table movements and a growing interest in seasonal products have contributed to the consumption of fresh “ zero kilometers “ fruits . Italians show a growing preference for local varieties.
– Consumption patterns fluctuate through the year, with peak demand during the summer months when tomatoes are more flavorful.
– Premium varieties : consumers are increasingly seeking out premium tomato types, as San Marzano, Marmande, Datterino, Ox Heart , Albenga or Vesuvio types , known for their authentic flavor and unique features.
– Out-of-home consumption : the fresh local tomato types are present on the menus of bars , restaurants, pizzerias and trattorias, contributing to increase the daily consumption and enhance Italian cuisine for foreign tourists .
– Organic : the demand for organic tomatoes is constantly arising,driven by consumers’growing awarness of healthy and sustainable eating.
The prospects for the future of the Italian fresh tomatoes are positive. The growing attention to a healthy balanced diet, combined with the valorization of culinary traditions and sustainability, will continue to support the demand for this precious fruit.
The cultivation of different tomato varieties contribute to preserve biodiversity and keep Italian horticultural tradition alive, supporting local farmers and enhancing the territory.
SAIS is particularly committed on obtaining high performing tomato varieties from local types or from traditional ones, combining the introduction of resistances to the main pathogens with the improvement of agronomic and organoleptic characteristics.
The attention to gustatory aspects and to the evolution of modern consumption models distinguish SAIS in the tomatoes range .