Spain's geographical and climatic diversity makes it possible for tomatoes to be grown almost everywhere. The country has also achieved great technological development in horticulture, allowing it to become a world leader in protected agriculture and to be home to companies that have strengthened their competitiveness through innovation and sustainability. One of the most representative initiatives is the one developed by Tomates Lis, which was founded in 2022 as a spin-off of the agricultural tomato-growing branch of Hijos de Federico Lis S.A., with the aim of launching its own project specializing in the production of premium tomatoes using cutting-edge technologies.
© Tomates Lis
Since then, Tomates Lis has been developing an ambitious high-tech glass greenhouse project in the municipality of Muchamiel, in the province of Alicante. The company acquired a 30-hectare plot and started building a state-of-the-art Venlo-type greenhouse designed for the production of premium cherry tomatoes which are marketed under the brand name "Cherry me".
© Tomates Lis
"The greenhouse has a tempered glass roof that ensures a safer environment for the operators during the cultivation work. It features a hot water heating system that circulates through steel rails, which also serve as support for the electric trolleys used in cultivation and harvesting tasks. Moreover, the CO₂ generated in the combustion of natural gas from the heating boilers is used for controlled injection into the interior, thus reducing emissions and significantly increasing tomato productivity per square meter," says José Ignacio Cuerva, the company's general manager.
"It is also equipped with a hydroponic irrigation system controlled through a central head that collects the excess nutrient solution in suspended gutters. This undergoes a disinfection process by means of ultraviolet light and ultra-pure peroxide injection before being returned, mixed with fresh water, to the irrigation circuit, resulting in a much more efficient use of water and fertilizer per kilo of tomato obtained."
© Tomates Lis
"A high degree of precision is achieved also in climate management thanks to complementary elements such as shading and energy-saving screens, fog-system-type misting systems and an air distribution network using plastic sleeves, which optimize the conditions for crop growth and development. We also plan to install LED lights, which will extend production cycles, improve photosynthetic efficiency and optimize fruit quality during the months with less solar radiation."
© Tomates Lis
"We have made a giant leap forward in terms of investment and technology in order to have really high-end facilities," he says. "Our company started out growing tomatoes in multi-tunnel greenhouses and, thanks to the success we've had with our products and the demand for our tomatoes over the years, we have been able to make this qualitative leap in our growing facilities, which has led us to have one of the most - if not the most - avant-garde greenhouse facilities in Spain today."
The third phase of its expansion comes to an end
In July 2025, Phase 3 of a comprehensive project to modernize and develop a total of 20 hectares, divided in four stages, was completed. This third phase has included the construction and commissioning of two greenhouses, each with 3.5 hectares and featuring advanced technologies aimed at boosting production efficiency and environmental sustainability.
© Tomates Lis
"One of the main goals in this stage has been ensuring the efficient use of water resources. To this end, water infrastructure works have been carried out, including the construction of reservoirs to capture rainwater and allow for the storage and reuse of this resource. In years with rainfall within normal parameters, this source makes a significant contribution to the total volume of water used on the farm, which reinforces the project's water sustainability policies."
© Tomates Lis
"We have also focused on allowing the reuse of drainage water with a double disinfection system that relies on UV radiation and the injection in the irrigation water of ultra-pure hydrogen peroxide produced on-site. This way, we can reuse between 30 and 40% of the drainage water, reducing the presence of fertilizers and guaranteeing strict sanitary control against viruses and pathogens."
"Projects such as that launched by Tomates Lis confirm that innovation and sustainability will be the key to competitiveness in the coming years," says José Ignacio.
For more information:
Tomates Lis
Camino de Borbunyo S/N
Finca La Torre 03114 Alicante, Spain
Tel.: +34 658 883 155
[email protected]
https://tomateslis.com/
