The most recent World Processing Tomato Council (WPTC) recently released its crop update. Tomato production and conditions in the northern hemisphere show a mix of updates and concerns across different countries. In Egypt, the peak summer season is in full swing, with processing at full capacity and positive reports on quality and yield. France has experienced improved weather conditions, but late blight and bacteriosis remain a challenge due to frequent rains. The forecast for France has been revised to around 150,000 tonnes from 160,000 tonnes, with harvest expected in late July in the South-East and early August in the South-West.
In Italy, transplanting operations have concluded in the North, and the weather has been favourable, benefiting the crop; in the South, there were delays in planting. There are worries about the harvest due to the potential of volatile weather in September. Portugal has had favourable weather conditions, but concerns remain about high humidity creating conditions for mildew. The harvest is set to begin in the second half of July. Spain faces similar weather conditions to Portugal, with high temperatures potentially impacting flowering. The harvest is expected to start in Extremadura around 20th-25th July and slightly earlier in Andalusia.
Turkey has seen improved weather after rains; the crop is said to be developing well. The harvest is anticipated to be delayed, with the southern region starting at the end of July. The overall forecast for production remains largely unchanged from the WPTC June crop update of 42.5 million tonnes despite some market sources claiming that this volume will not be reached.
