In Switzerland the production of cherry tomatoes has doubled in the past five years, so reports German website Gabot.de, demand also rises. Nevertheless, the Association of Swiss Vegetable Producers VSGP warns against too much excitement. Production volume amounted to 7,756 tons of cherry tomatoes in the last year. The small tomato is available in all forms and colours, and is well received by customers. Jacques Blondin, company leader from Union De Maraîchère de Genève (UMG) speaks of a "huge success" this year with the so named 'Genfer Tomätli' cherry tomato. At Coop people have seen a change in the normal assortment. "Special cherry tomatoes such as Perla, Toscanella and Primagusto are more popular", says Ramón Gander from Coop.
The import volume of cherry tomatoes is also rising. There are, therefore, only very good prospects for the tomato market, especially when you consider that the Swiss population increases annually. Is there surely no place for a couple of hectares in Switzerland? Timo Weber from the VSGP warns its members to be cautious: "Actually the market for cherry tomatoes is evenly balanced. When this production volume further increases, then the danger of collapsing prices during main production rises too."
