Shaping the Future of the Global Tomato Processing  Industry: Join Us in Monterey

The global tomato processing industry stands at a pivotal crossroads. As we navigate shifting climates, evolving consumer demands, and the rapid integration of artificial intelligence, the need for collective insight has never been greater.

From June 7–10, 2026, the global tomato processing industry will convene in beautiful Monterey, California, for a congress designed to tackle the industry’s most pressing challenges and celebrate its brightest opportunities.

A World-Class Kickoff

The program begins on Sunday, June 7, with an unforgettable welcome reception at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Attendees will have the opportunity to network among world-class marine exhibits, setting the stage for three days of high-level collaboration and strategic discussion.

Global Outlooks and Economic Reality

Monday’s sessions dive straight into the macro-trends defining our era. Highlights include:

• The Big Picture: Richard Sexton (UC Davis) will address the fundamental challenges of feeding the world in the 21st century.
• Market Intelligence: Gain first-hand crop results and 2026 forecasts from industry leaders across North America, South America, China, the Mediterranean (Amitom) and other regions.
• The Multi-Polar Economy: Tom Bailey from Rabobank will explore how the shift away from a single globalized market toward regional “poles” meaning a “one-size-fits-all” marketing or product strategy no longer viable for global tomato processors.
• Cycle Analysis: Martin Stilwell of Tomato News will explore the historical cycles of “Euphoria or Despair,” offering a data-driven look at where the industry is headed next.

Technology, Sustainability, and Innovation

Tuesday, June 9, shifts the focus toward the tools and policies that will define the next decade:

• The AI Revolution: Michael Busch, Vice President of Technical Programs at Google, will lead a keynote on Artificial Intelligence, followed by a roundtable discussing how processors and growers can leverage AI today.
• The Sustainability Mandate: A deep dive into food packaging recycling mandates and aseptic technology with experts notably from ABMA, Tetra Pak and several tomato processors. 
• The Future of Breeding: David Francis (The Ohio State University) and the California Tomato Research Institute will discuss how public and private breeding can accelerate crop improvement.
• Anticipating the 2030 Consumer: While past growth was driven by volume, the next five years will be defined by “value-driven” consumption. Matthew Berry will utilize Euromonitor’s massive global data sets to identify the seismic shifts in how humans buy and eat food.

Navigating a Multi-Polar Trade Landscape

The congress concludes on Wednesday, June 10, with a critical look at the global trade environment. With specialized outlooks on the US, EU, and UK markets, attendees will leave with a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory and trade hurdles—and opportunities—facing the global movement of tomato products.

From Lab to Land to Plate : The 2026 International Symposium on Processing Tomato

While the World Processing Tomato Congress handles the macro-economics and global trade, the 18th International Symposium on Processing Tomato is where the real “groundwork” happens. Running concurrently, the symposium brings together the world’s leading researchers to solve the agronomic and technological issues in order to bring tomato products to the consumer’s table.

The full detailed program can be found at www.worldtomatocongress.com

Why You Should Attend

The congress and symposium aren’t just a series of presentations; it is a global summit for the entire value chain. Whether you are a grower looking for the latest in genetics, a processor navigating recycling mandates, or an industry analyst tracking global demand, the 2026 Congress in Monterey provides the clarity needed to succeed in a complex market, and a chance to network with global experts and buyers.

Ready to secure your spot? Join the leaders, innovators, and policy-makers of the tomato world this June by registering today.