AGENDA FOR
GLOBAL TOMATO CONGRESS

14-15 MAY 2024

 

Innovative strategies and essential networking for the international tomato business

14-15 MAY 2024 · 09:00 – 18:00 CET · FOKKER TERMINAL - THE HAGUE

 

TUESDAY 14 MAY 2024

HEADLINE HUB

INFORMATION & INSIGHT

Speakers on our Headline Hub stage assess key areas of the fresh tomato business, offering first-class analysis of current trends and possible future developments. The Headline Hub is a place for all stakeholders, from breeders and growers to buyers and category managers, to deepen their understanding of today’s fresh tomato supply chains. 

08:30 
REGISTRATION AND WELCOME REFRESHMENTS

09:30
WELCOME TO GLOBAL TOMATO CONGRESS 2024
• Tom Joyce, Fruitnet

09:35
THE TASTE OF SUCCESS 
We hear research into what influences consumer purchases in-store concerning aspects like colour, variety, brand and messaging, the importance shoppers attach to taste and health in particular, and the impact of the economy on consumer demands and preferences. We also look at what’s behind the return of heirloom varieties and the development of new flavour-focused varieties. 

• Lambert van Horen, Rabobank (Netherlands)
• Arnaud Lefebvre and Zinaida Kapustina, Azura (France-Morocco)
• Eva Ketel, Wageningen Research (Netherlands)
• Stefano Landolfi, Fogliati (Italy)
• Said Ouraich, Delassus (Morocco)

10:45
NETWORKING BREAK 

11:30
COMMUNICATING DIRECT TO THE CONSUMER
We examine how best to get taste and health messages straight to consumers, the need to communicate best storage/ripening practices to improve the eating experience and, given the arrival of the Corporate Social Responsibility Directive, the benefits of the tomato sector uniting with a powerful message on health and sustainability.

• Martijn van Keulen, RedStar (Netherlands)
• Glenn Sebregts, BelOrta (Belgium)
• Maria Wieloch, Ica (Sweden)
• Margriet Looije, Looye Kwekers (Netherlands)

13:00
NETWORKING LUNCH 

14:00
THE BREEDING DILEMMA
We hear how breeders are working to maintain flavour as they develop varieties with greater resistance against ToBRFV, and prioritising health with varieties that require fewer pesticides.

• Karin Gorree, Normec Foodcare (Netherlands)
• Michal Taraska and Robbert Biemans, Hazera (Poland and Netherlands)
• Geert Janssen, BASF Nunhems (Netherlands)
• Paul Simmonds, Rijk Zwaan (Netherlands)

15:00
NETWORKING BREAK 

15:45
THE POWER OF TECHNOLOGY
Despite increasing challenges, including climate change and rising costs, the onus in the tomato category remains predominantly on growers to ensure a great-looking, great-tasting tomato while achieving their sustainability goals. So who is helping them? We look at how technology, including automation, big data and AI, is helping growers now and will do so in the future.

• Nathan Pumplin, Norfolk Healthy Produce (US)
• Martin van Tol, Let’s Grow (Netherlands)
• Cedric Canovas, Source.ag (Netherlands)
• Sam Gui, Biobest (Belgium)
• Ronald Hoek, Blue Radix (Netherlands)
• Niels van der Geest, Delphy Digital (Netherlands)

17:00 - 18:00
CLOSING DRINKS

LAUNCHPAD

INVENTION & INGENUITY

The Launchpad stage presents a panel discussion on the key sustainability issues affecting tomato production and supplies, many of which are being exacerbated by climate change. We look at what the main issues are for tomato growers, including water and labour availability, and identify what the best current solutions are. We also find out how technology companies are helping growers to achieve the best quality and environmental and economic sustainability.

11:00
SUSTAINABILITY: THE WAY FORWARD IN TOMATOES
• Said Ouraich, Delassus (Morocco)
• Margriet Looije, Looye (Netherlands)
• Sam Gui, Biobest (Belgium)
• Nathalie Schafer, SanLucar (Spain)

15:15
HELPING THE GROWER
• Timo Kleijwegt, Certhon (Netherlands)
• Eytan Heller, Arugga AI Farming (Israel)