Tomato puree 'Tompuur' solution to overproduction

If the production of tomatoes is at it's highest in the summer, there can be an oversupply, which can then cause prices to fall. This happened last year as well. Grower Kevin Schietecatte from Sint-Katelijne Waver thought it was high time for a solution, and in 2014 he started making purée out of some of his tomatoes. Around Sint-Katelijne Waver, his purée product is already known and is sold at various places under the name 'Tompuur'.

"We started Tompuur in the beginning of August. I found it regrettable that good quality tomatoes would sometimes have to be destroyed, and I wanted to change this. This is how the tomato purée idea formed. This makes it possible for us to still be able to make a fair price for the tomatoes." At the growing location Schietecatte had extra room built in to meet the food safety requirements. "The tomatoes are processed by hand there." Kevin is seeing that the product is gradually starting to pick up. "People are beginning to recognize and appreciate Tompuur. People are also behind the purée because no preservatives are added. The product is already being sold at more than 40 locations. Most of the locations are farm shops and greengrocers. The product is also available at various Carrefour supermarkets and at wholesaler Keirsmaekers."