Tomato production in Tunisia is set to decrease this season, reducing the volumes available for processing. This is according to Maher Bouguerra, CEO of Le Défi Tunisie, a producer of sundried tomatoes.
Bouguerra explains: "So far, we've had a normal and rather good season in terms of volumes, with a rainy winter and mild weather, but the drop in profitability has discouraged growers. Tomato production carries a major commercial risk at present, as export prices are below satisfaction. I think we'll miss a large chunk of volume next season, a full 40% less than in a normal year."
A large proportion of fresh tomatoes are destined for tomato paste factories, which makes it difficult for dried tomato producers to obtain their needed volume, according to Bouguerra, who adds that "producers prefer to deal with tomato paste factories, simply because it's more convenient."
"For all these reasons, we expect to have less raw material, and also an increase in the price of fresh tomatoes. We'll be forced to increase our prices by at least a third," Bouguerra continues.
The main market for Tunisian sundried tomatoes is Italy, a historical destination according to the Bouguerra. "We used to supply other markets, such as Lebanon before the last war, or the Gulf countries. Today, most of our exports go to Italy, where the dried tomatoes are then redistributed to the rest of Europe. We're trying to diversify our markets and have recently found some good leads in Turkey and North America," he continues.
Competition in the European dried tomato market is to Turkey's advantage, Bouguerra adds, "Turkish producers have the decisive advantage of a greater presence in Europe, with older and stronger professional networks, in addition to significant production. Turkish exports add up to large volumes produced in Italy."
"At Defi Tunisien, we handle competition and production problems better," Bouguerra assures. He describes his operation: "We dry tomatoes on nets, one meter above the ground, which is more hygienic than the methods widely used in Turkey. We use elongated tomato varieties suitable for sun-drying, with good productivity and excellent taste. We currently have 300 nets, with a production capacity of 50 to 60 kg per net per four days. Above all, we have three cold-storage rooms, enabling us to store all our production and control the pace of sales."
"Despite the competition, we're getting by and managing to exist in the market, and offer pleasant, sweet dried tomatoes to confectionery aficionados," Bouguerra concludes.
For more information:
Maher Bouguerra
Le Défi Tunisien
+216 50998778
darelfellah@outlook.com