WPTC March 2026 Crop Update: Global Processing Tomato Outlook for Buyers

Southern Hemisphere: Harvest Progress

The Southern Hemisphere harvest is well underway. The March 5 WPTC update reports no major changes to forecasts, with most origins tracking at or above expectations:

Argentina is the standout performer—yields are running 10–15% above last season, crop condition is strong, and quality has been very good. A January hailstorm damaged approximately 400 hectares in San Juan, but overall the campaign is on schedule for a late-April finish.

Chile is progressing without issues, maintaining its 1.3 million ton forecast with warm, dry conditions. Australia has delivered 79,000 tons so far but is facing a rain interruption that has paused field operations. Peru's season has already finished at 150,000 tons.

Northern Hemisphere: 2026 Season Preview

While Northern Hemisphere countries are still in the pre-planting or early-planting phase, the WPTC February meeting established preliminary forecasts for the 2026 season. Key origins:

Egypt's forecast of 7 million tons of fresh tomatoes for processing remains unchanged and represents one of the largest national volumes globally. Egypt's dual-season model (winter and summer harvests) provides year-round supply capability that most competing origins cannot match.

California, the world's largest single origin, has projected 8.89 million metric tons but there is uncertainty about whether the 53 t/acre average yield will be achieved. Italy and Spain are in contract negotiation phase, with expectations for stable or slightly increased volumes.

What This Means for Processing Tomato Buyers

Global supply is stable but not expanding dramatically. Southern Hemisphere harvests are progressing well, but no origin is reporting a major surplus. Argentina's strong yields and Chile's steady campaign provide a solid baseline, but Australia's rain disruption and Peru's modest volume mean the Southern Hemisphere is delivering adequately, not abundantly.

The Northern Hemisphere season will set the price direction. With California, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and Egypt all entering their planting or early-growth phases, the next 60–90 days will determine 2026 pricing. Any weather disruptions, planting shortfalls, or yield disappointments in these origins will tighten global paste supply and push prices upward.

Egypt's year-round capability is a differentiation. Egypt's winter crop is finishing and the summer crop is being planted—meaning Egyptian processors can supply paste, passata, and other tomato products during the gap when Northern Hemisphere factories are offline and Southern Hemisphere supply is winding down.

Saporina's Tomato Products

Saporina processes Egyptian tomatoes in both winter and summer seasons (sun-dried in winter only), offering year-round supply of paste, passata, pizza sauce, whole peeled, powder, and ketchup. Available in industrial drums, A10 cans, retail formats, and private label packaging with full export documentation.