British Tomato Industry gears up for growth despite disease and regulatory hurdles
The British Tomato Growers Association industry gathered in Warwickshire to address both the opportunities and challenges faced in growing and marketing tomatoes domestically. While the UK market is valued at around £1 billion, only 20% of this demand is currently met by local production, highlighting significant growth potential. However, the path to expanding this share remains complex.
The annual British Tomato Conference, which brings together growers, suppliers, and retailers, saw heightened attendance this year. This marked a notable shift from previous years when concerns about rugose virus outbreaks and contamination held back participation. Retailers’ growing support for local production has been a decisive factor, especially after supply disruptions from bad weather in Spain created empty shelves in UK stores three years ago. Since then, many retailers have shown a willingness to pay premium prices for British-grown tomatoes, signalling a stronger market position for domestic producers. Yet, growers still face significant hurdles in the value chain. Notably, the recent decision by many to plant varieties lacking resistance to the rugose virus has led to five outbreaks—the highest ever recorded in the UK—exposing ongoing risks and challenges around crop health.
Beyond disease threats, the conference underscored broader systemic issues, including government instability, unpredictable regulatory shifts, and an aging farmer demographic without sufficient succession. These concerns were central to the morning’s sessions, which also touched on market trends and the efforts behind British Tomato Fortnight, an event designed to boost consumer awareness and sales. The afternoon focused on technical and scientific advancements such as energy efficiency in greenhouses, the spread of Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV), the potential of gene editing, and innovative approaches to greenhouse cultivation.
Industry data corroborates the conference’s outlook of cautious optimism. Market forecasts from IndexBox project slow but steady growth in the UK tomato sector, with compound annual growth rates ranging from 0.3% to 0.4% in volume and around 3% annually in value through 2035. By then, the UK market is expected to reach approximately 472,000 tons in volume and around $1.2 to $1.3 billion in value. Consumer behaviour trends highlight an increase in tomato consumption, with estimates indicating UK consumers purchase about 500,000 tons of fresh tomatoes each year, two-thirds of which are imported. The British Tomato Growers’ Association, representing the majority of larger growers, has reported a 12% rise in consumption over the last twelve months alone, reinforcing the sector’s growth ambitions.
Despite these promising signs, the industry must navigate its vulnerabilities carefully. The large share of imports and challenges like virus outbreaks remind stakeholders of the complex balancing act between expanding domestic production and managing risks. The conference concluded with social networking opportunities, underscoring the value of community and collaboration in addressing the sector’s future.
The British tomato sector’s journey appears well underway, buoyed by retailer support and positive market forecasts, yet tempered by the realities of disease management, regulatory uncertainty, and workforce renewal. The full potential of local tomato production hinges on overcoming these obstacles, which remain central to discussions within the UK’s horticultural community.