Canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and pasta sauce are common kitchen staples in Australia. However, the processed tomato industry in the country is facing tough competition from cheaper imports.

Matthew Stewart, the industry development manager at the Australian Processing Tomato Research Council, highlighted that only 20 to 30 per cent of processed tomato products sold in Australia are locally made. This is a significant decrease from around 50 per cent two decades ago.

Stewart also mentioned that the number of active tomato growers has decreased from 12 to 7 in the last decade in northern Victoria and southern New South Wales.

Unlike fresh tomatoes, those used for processing are grown specifically for that purpose in open fields.

One of the largest tomato processors in Australia, Kagome Australia, based in Echuca, has found a new revenue stream in the beauty industry. Chief executive Brad Free shared that they are now extracting oil from tomato seeds for use in cosmetic products like moisturizers, facial scrubs, and sunscreen.

Additionally, Kagome has introduced a powder drying process in their factory to recover all by-products by 2027. They are also using tomato skin powder as an ingredient in pet foods.

Free emphasized the need for the company to adapt and diversify to ensure growth, especially with the volatility of the tomato industry and the impact of global market trends.

Despite challenges like climatic instability, there is optimism for the future of the industry. Free mentioned that the current raw material for this season is of high quality, reflecting positively on production.