Future of Tomatoes in Focus at 2025 Fruitnet Tomato Congress in Malaga
The Fruitnet Tomato Congress returns this year with renewed vigor, set to take place in Malaga, Spain, on 11–12 November 2025. The two-day event promises to be a landmark gathering for professionals looking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving tomato industry.
Registration Opens for Industry Leaders
With registration now open, the event is expected to draw a wide range of stakeholders from across the global tomato value chain. From growers and retailers to seed companies and technology experts, attendees will engage in high-level discussions, share insights, and explore innovations that are reshaping the future of tomato production and marketing.
Day One: Strategic Dialogue and Expert Analysis
The first day will feature a series of in-depth presentations and panel discussions led by prominent voices in the sector. Among the confirmed speakers are Lambert van Horen of Rabobank, Fatiha Charrat from Moroccan grower-exporter Delassus, and several leading figures from Spain’s tomato industry.
These experts will address the profound impact of climate change and logistical disruptions on global supply chains. They will also examine how such challenges are influencing the sourcing strategies of major European retailers and importers.
David Del Pino of Freshtrategy and Andriy Yarmak, formerly of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), will offer a forward-looking analysis of production trends in Europe, North Africa, the Mediterranean, and Central Asia.
Looking Ahead: The Tomato of 2030
A major focus of the congress will be envisioning the tomato of the future. Key questions will include: How will the tomato of 2030 taste? What nutritional benefits will it offer? How can it be grown and packaged more sustainably? And how will branding strategies evolve to meet changing consumer preferences?
To that end, branding expert Jordi Ballester of Letitout Food Creativity will present on innovative product development and design. Chris Veillon from Canada’s Topline Farms will reveal findings from recent taste trials, shedding light on how flavor profiles are being refined to satisfy increasingly discerning consumers.
Innovation in Breeding and Technology
The congress will also explore cutting-edge advances in breeding and agri-tech. Delegates will hear how seed companies are engineering new tomato varieties with enhanced resistance to viruses and pests—critical to securing yields in a volatile climate.
In addition, the integration of robotics and artificial intelligence into greenhouse and field operations will be a key theme, highlighting how digital technologies are revolutionizing production and supply.
Day Two: On-the-Ground Learning
The second day will take participants on production tours around the Malaga region, offering a first-hand look at state-of-the-art facilities and farms pioneering these innovations.
As the tomato industry faces unprecedented transformation, the 2025 Fruitnet Tomato Congress stands out as a vital forum for charting the path forward. With a strong lineup of expert speakers, in-depth analysis, and real-world insights, the event offers a unique opportunity to explore what’s next for one of the world’s most popular fruits.
