The technological revolution in table tomatoes in the new Macfrut Academy video lesson

15 April 2025

Thursday 17 April, 5 pm: spotlight on one of the most important supply chains in the Italian agri-food industry, which handles over 5.3 million tonnes of produce. To watch the free video lesson, register HERE.

With more than 5.3 million tonnes of produce handled annually, table tomatoes are now one of the most important supply chains for the Italian agri-food industry, thanks in part to technology and innovative varieties, which are helping the industry to grow and develop. This topic is addressed in the latest video lesson of the Macfrut Academy, the innovative digital platform for professionals in the fruit and vegetable sector, scheduled for Thursday 17 April at 5 pm (Italian time). Access to the episode is free of charge, but registration is required on the platform: https://academy.macfrut.com/ 

The Academy will be taking a look at the entire value chain of table tomatoes, from variety research and cultivation techniques to cutting-edge nursery, fertigation and mechanised harvesting technologies. The tomato supply chain will also be the focus of an event at the upcoming Macfrut trade fair (Rimini Expo Centre, 6-8 May), namely the third edition of Pianeta Rosso (Red Planet), which will offer a truly immersive journey from the field to the final consumer. 

The video lesson on Thursday 17 April, hosted by journalist Maicol Mercuriali, will start at the base of the supply chain, from the seed. Genetic improvement is a critical factor in addressing today’s increasingly complex agronomic and climatic challenges. HM.CLAUSE, a leading company in the tomato breeding sector, will talk about how specific hybrid varieties are being developed to meet the needs of the various production areas in Italy and worldwide. Key aspects include resistance to diseases such as nematodes, bacteriosis, viruses and peronospora, water adaptability and the ability to produce high yields with consistent fruit quality. Such objectives need to be pursued in close collaboration with growers in order to verify the expected performance of new varieties in the field. 

The second part of the video lesson will provide an in-depth look at nursery technologies with Idromeccanica Lucchini, an Italian company with over 70 years of experience in the design and construction of professional greenhouses. During the delicate processes of planting, germination and transplanting, there are several factors that need to be carefully considered, including light, humidity and temperature. 
The lesson will also cover fertigation technologies and mechanised harvesting, which are key elements of a sustainable and efficient supply chain. Lucchini will also be presenting innovations in the fertigation sector, which, thanks to the use of intelligent sensors, allow for significant water savings and the targeted use of fertilisers. 

With regard to mechanised harvesting, the video lesson will provide an overview of the latest technological innovations from Guaresi, a company specialising in the design and manufacture of tomato harvesters. Particular emphasis will be placed on advanced systems for optimal separation of tomatoes from the plant, as well as visual selection of fruit and digital monitoring of the harvest, with the ultimate aim of ensuring that the field is left in the best possible condition. 

The video lesson is scheduled for Thursday 17 April at 5 pm on Macfrut Academy, the innovative digital platform for professionals in the fruit and vegetable sector. An agile and prestigious scientific platform that provides insight into key issues and keeps fruit and vegetable supply chain professionals up to date with the latest industry news. All episodes are also available on demand by registering on the platform.  

Info: academy@macfrut.com

Register here to watch the free video lesson: https://academy.macfrut.com/  

Read more:

Food Africa and pacprocess MEA 2025: Powering Regional Trade and Industry Growth

11 July 2025
Returning for their 10th and 6th editions respectively, Food Africa and pacprocess MEA will take place from 9 to 12 December 2025 at the Egypt International Exhibition Center (EIEC). These internationally renowned events have become leading platforms for stakeholders in the food and beverage, processing, and packaging sectors, offering unmatched opportunities to explore business prospects across Africa and the Middle East. »

China Study Tour: An Unmissable Experience in CHINA MEET UP 2025

10 July 2025
China Study Tour: An Unmissable Experience in CHINA MEET UP 2025! Visitors from across the world sign up for China-focused extension of ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA. Join the Study Tour and Premium Buyer Programme while spaces last. CHINA MEET UP 2025, the official mainland China-focused extension of ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA, returns to Guangzhou on 8–9 September 2025 with strong momentum and broader global participation. »

Only three weeks left to register as an exhibitor for FRUIT LOGISTICA 2026

10 July 2025
Returning to Berlin from 4 to 6 February 2026, FRUIT LOGISTICA is the leading trade show for the global fresh produce business. Featuring new formats, high-level networking and a global reach, it is an unmissable event for industry professionals. Registration is open until 31 July 2025. Exhibitor registration for FRUIT LOGISTICA, the leading trade show for the global fresh produce business, which will take place in Berlin from 4 to 6 February 2026, is still open for three more weeks. »
PARTNERS