Information for fruit and vegetables business in CIS
5th Tomato Conference "Taste Creating Quality of Life" Attracts 350 Delegates to Holland
According to Fruit-Inform, the Tomato Conference 2008, hosted by Syngenta Seeds Vegetables, was once again a runaway success, attracting 350 producers, traders and retailers from over 23 countries to debate issues around tomato production, discuss challenges in the tomato retail supply chain and highlight the benefits that tomatoes bring to consumers. The success of the conference reflects the expected rise in spending on premium products - including tomatoes.
The conference, held at the NH Conference Centre in Noordwijkerhout, Holland, was a forum for attendees to share innovative views on market trends in the production and consumption of tomatoes, as well as on nutrition and the health benefits tomatoes bring to consumers. Major market trends were highlighted at the two-day event, such as the impact consumer demand for all things organic is having on the market. Another major market shift is towards on-the-go food consumption in Europe, with a nine percent rise in on-the-go consumption expected by Datamonitor by 2011. New and innovative tomato varieties were showcased at the conference, including the Kumato and the Dunne.
The conference featured several keynote speeches by leading industry experts. After a greeting and overview by Onno Franse, Programme Director, Healthy Living at Royal Ahold, Anneke Ammerlaan from Ammerlaan Taste & Trends explained consumers' changing attitudes to food.
Prof. Donald Mottram from Reading University discussed the topical issue of tomato taste and the role of the fifth taste - Umami. From the Illinois Institute of Technology, Britt Burton-Freeman presented a complete study on the clinical evidence for bioactivity and Syngenta's own Produce Quality Scientist Charles Baxter discussed Syngenta's high Flavonoid breeding approach and its vindication - particularly in the health benefits that are seen in flavonoids within tomatoes.
A presentation on Taste, Health & Nutrition in the Japanese market was given by Taizo Sano of Kagome. Elena Ozeritskaya,
Consumer Offer Manager EMEA at Syngenta Seeds Vegetables, gave a presentation on the varying developments and attitudes towards tomatoes, whilst Dr. Ian Puddephat, Syngenta's Head of Produce Quality presented on the link between the tastes of different tomato varieties and their specific marketplace. Mart van Grinsven and Ton Teerling of Syngenta moderated the discussions.
There were also several outstanding workshops. Master chef Angelique Schmeinck presented a workshop on different techniques in preparing various tomato varieties. Margaret Everitt from Reading University led a stimulating workshop on what composes taste and flavour in fresh tomatoes.
Attendees also had the opportunity of seeing tomato production at first hand. They visited the Center Bleiswijk, the heart of Dutch tomato production. Growers, packers, traders and retailers discovered new tomato varieties, such as Tycamone, Dunne and Eugenia tomato. Last but not least, a large-scale tasting lunch gave attendees the opportunity to appreciate and compare the taste of different varieties. Tomatoes were eaten raw and as part of recipes, depending on their type. Massimo Enzo, Marketing Director EMEA, S&G, commented: "The tomato is one of the world's most widely used fruits. From its extraordinary range of tastes and textures, to its unrivalled health benefits, the tomato is going from strength to strength in popularity. The raison d'etre of Syngenta's Tomato Conference is to extol the benefits of the tomato and explore the latest industry intelligence on varieties, cultivation and retail. The success of this year's event has been extraordinary and is proof that with the dedication of tomato industry professionals, the tomato industry will keep on booming."