CFNA response to allegations from the BBC
13/01/2025
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Press release
CFNA (China Chamber of Commerce of Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce & Animal By-products) has asked us to publish this statement in response to Tomato News' publication last month of the BBC world service report on Chinese Tomato Paste.
"Recently, certain Western media has published unfounded reports about Xinjiang tomatoes, deeply hurting the sentiments of those engaged in the tomato industry in Xinjiang and disrupting the normal trade of tomato products between China and EU. Here CFNA (China Chamber of Commerce of Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce & Animal By-products) is committed to present the real Xinjiang Tomato Industry.
China is one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of processing tomatoes, with its production accounting for 16%, 18% and 22% of global output from 2022 to 2024 respectively. It plays a key role in global tomato trade. Xinjiang, with its exceptional natural conditions, has become a premier region for cultivating high-quality tomatoes, producing superior tomato products that are both affordable and excellent in quality. Over 80% of China's tomato product exports originate from Xinjiang.
The growth of processing tomatoes production in China is primarily driven by increasing global demand. The nutritional value of tomatoes has gained wider recognition and appreciation over the world. Xinjiang tomatoes, natured by a unique geographical environment, sufficient sunshine, appropriate temperature difference, fertile soil and ample-water resources, are distinguished by their vibrant color, rich taste, and high contents of vitamins and minerals beneficial to our body. Second, domestic demand in China has surged explosively. In recent years, the applications of tomato products in stockpots, simple meals, ready to eat dishes, western food, beverages have expanded significantly , driving rapid growth in domestic market. The rise of tomato-based hotpot, in particular, has further promoted the consumption of tomato products.
The increasing global demand for tomato products has fostered continuous collaboration between China's processed tomato industry and international partners in areas such as mechanized production, intelligent management, scientific research and packaging.
The development of China's processed tomato industry has been closely intertwined with the global tomato industry. Back to1988, China imported nearly 300 tomato processing lines from Italy. Over the past three decades, Chinese tomato product manufacturers have successfully adopted advanced equipment and technologies, achieving automation, smart transformations, digitization and green development. Innovations such as unmanned weighing and automated unloading have become standard. Since 2008, China has imported approximately 1,000 tomato harvesters from Italy. Today, the industry has achieved high levels of mechanization and intelligent operations across the entire production chain, including seedling cultivation, planting, mid-season management, harvesting, and drone-based monitoring with full traceability. The cooperation between China and Italy in the field of tomato product packaging and cultivation began over 20 years ago, with Italian companies investing in aseptic packaging bag production in Tianjin. Other European countries, such as Spain, have also invested in construction of tomato processing factories in Xinjiang, leveraging high-quality local tomatoes to produce high-quality goods exported worldwide. In terms of breeding, China has long cooperated with companies in the US and Europe, creating mutual benefits for global partners.
More importantly, the vigorous development of Xinjiang tomato industry has brought significant economic benefits to the region. It has created more employment opportunities, provided stable incomes, and contributed positively to social stability. Enterprises in the industry strictly adhere to the Labor Law, the Labor Contract Law and other relevant laws and regulations of China, upholding principles of equality and voluntary employment. The sign labor contracts with employees, ensuring fair compensation and equal rights. Across the tomato planting and processing value chain, countless farmers, workers, scientific and researchers have found fulfilling jobs, enabling more Xinjiang residents to secure local employment near home, and achieve happiness through their hard work. All thanks to the Xinjiang tomato industry.
Xinjiang Tomato, Made in China, Made with World. It is a delicious food that contributed by millions of diligent Chinese workers, crafted with hearts and love. Enjoying delicious food with warmth and appreciation is a shared value and choice among consumers worldwide."
Source: CFNA
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