ISHS Acta Horticulturae 301: IV International Symposium on Processing Tomatoes
PROCESSING TOMATO PRODUCTION IN NORTH AMERICA |
| Author: | W.L. Sims |
| Abstract:
The processing tomato production areas in North America are Mexico, United States of America and Canada. Tomatoes grown for processing represent the largest segment of the processed vegetable industries in North America. In 1989 Mexico, Canada and the U.S.A. produced approximately 52 percent of the world's supply of tomatoes for processing, with California in the U.S.A. producing 47 percent of this amount. The Census of Manufactors in 1987 reported a value of $3.7 billion for the processing tomato industry. Tomato concentrates continue to lead the growth in processed tomato products, with the manufacturing value of tomato sauces increasing the most, followed by paste and then catsup (Sullivan, 1989). Tomato product exports from North America remain an insignificant factor in world markets. Only about one percent of the total North America pack is exported. Dynamic changes in organization, structure and performance in the North America tomato processing industry have occurred over the past 20 years. These have resulted in increased competitive position and industry growth. The variety situation has become extremely dynamic. The days are gone when a variety might occupy a certain position in the industry for 10–15 years. Today, we see new hybrids with higher yields, better quality and more disease resistance. Biotechnology development has come to the stage where the first commercial improvements in the cultivated tomato are present. Tomato cells can be regenerated quite efficiently from almost any cultivar, including the wild species. Genes have been isolated, cloned, and engineered. Transformed tomato plants have been made (Fobes, 1986). We are at the threshold of very exciting times in the development of new tomato varieties. | |
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