Tomato Paste Brands Bending the Curve of Tomato Loss for Nigerian Farmers

Tomatoes hold immense significance, not only in Nigerian cuisines, but also as a major agricultural commodity in the country. Over 200,000 smallholder farmers cultivate tomatoes in Nigeria, positioning the country as the second-largest producer in Africa and the 12th globally. This versatile crop constitutes 20 percent of Nigeria's daily vegetable consumption, with annual market demand of approximately 2.3 million metric tons.

In Nigerian cooking, tomatoes are a frequently used food ingredient. Though not usually eaten in its fresh form, it is included in virtually every type of soup made and is also added to eggs, rice or yam dishes, etc. Meanwhile, farmers across the country endure postharvest losses exceeding 45 percent of total production, resulting in a supply deficit of approximately 500,000 metric tons. This does not only constitute economic losses, but also an inefficient use of natural resources.

Following the 2015 Nigeria tomato crisis triggered by the devastating Tuta absoluta pest, significant investments were made in tomato production and pest management. A consequential outcome of increased production has been the surge in tomatoes ending up in landfills and dumpsites nationwide. Ironically, Nigeria is a big importer of tomato concentrates and paste to meet local demand in its offseason. The primary drivers of tomato postharvest losses in Nigeria are inadequate infrastructure, a weak policy environment, low-value addition, and limited market access.

The Brouhaha with Erisco tomato paste is shining light on the importance of supporting a production to consumption economy and the of food labeling plays in ensuring customer awareness.

Virtually all of the imported tomato “paste” in the Nigerian market is a “mix” with fillers and additives. It is what the market is used to and what the market can afford. However, there are Nigerian food brands you might not have heard about who are disrupting tomato paste processing and are contributing to reducing post-harvest losses experienced by smallholder farmers in Nigeria. They welcome customer review and declare nutritional facts to enable their consumers make informed decision when buying their products.

Three Nigerian Food Brands Tackling Tomato Wastage and Boosting Smallholder Farmers’ Incomes

Beta Agric Ventures LTD:? Bera tomato was launched in 2021 by Adaora Akojuru with a mission to curb post-harvest losses of perishable crops, especially fresh tomatoes. They own a tomato processing facility in Kano State. Their food processing line provides 100% natural tomato and tatashe (also known as Bell Pepper) paste processed from high quality farm-fresh produce with a higher percentage of tomato per serving. It does not contain preservatives or additives and is hygienically packaged in glass jars.

Palmark syndicate Limited: Palmark is a food company that processes fresh tomatoes into powder. Their tomato powder is a single ingredient which means it has no soy, sugar, or additives. It is a pure 100% tomato base that goes through only one process: solar drying.

Drying is the oldest preservation technique used for agricultural products. It provides an excellent way to preserve nutritional content and reduce weight and volume for storage and transport. They source tomatoes directly from small farmers in northern Nigeria and their factory is located in Borno State. They are currently onboarding distributors nationwide.

Smilez Mobile Kitchen Limited: an agricultural processing and consumer brand that supports the development of the tomato value chain in Nigeria. Founded by Ogola Lois Kange in 2012, with a processing facility in Kaduna State.

Smilez tomato product range includes Pepper Sauce, Tomato and Tatashe Mix, and Tomato Paste. They are FDA Certified.

Our current food system is negatively impacting our health and environment with food wastage contributing to climate change and consumption of ultra processed food. Food loss contributes is associated with an estimated 8-10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Support made in Nigerian brands to stimulate a production to consumption economy.

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