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HIT Launches Green Tomato Paste Innovation

26/05/2025

Madeleine Royère-Koonings
Portugal,
WPTC
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Portuguese company HIT is set to introduce a groundbreaking new product: green tomato paste. This innovative development, stemming from the company's R&D and Sustainability teams, offers a novel approach to reducing agricultural waste and creating new market opportunities within the food service industry.
The concept for the green tomato paste originated as a spin-off from the PRODER 2020 consortium project, which ran from 2017 to 2021 and included HIT as a member. The core purpose of this initiative was to minimize field waste by transforming green tomatoes, typically left unharvested, into a premium finished product.
This project specifically targets the recovery and utilization of these surplus green tomatoes. By processing them into a purée, HIT aims to deliver a versatile ingredient for diverse food service applications. In 2023, an industrial-scale trial successfully yielded two distinct products: a foundational green tomato purée, ideal for sauces, soups, and ready meals, and a green salsa, ready for immediate use in food service or retail.
Production is now moving to a pilot scale to further validate technical feasibility and assess full market potential. Early indications are promising, with initial presentations to major clients generating significant interest. HIT is currently in the advanced stages of business development with one of these key customers.

Key Objectives & Benefits:
The introduction of green tomato paste aligns with several strategic objectives and offers compelling benefits for the industry:

  • Sustainability:
    • Waste Reduction: This innovation directly addresses food waste by recovering approximately 10% of fresh tomatoes that would otherwise be discarded in the field.
    • Resource Maximization: It champions responsible agriculture by fully utilizing existing resources, enhancing overall efficiency in energy and water usage.
  • Innovation:
    • Novel Ingredient: The green tomato paste introduces a natural, new ingredient that opens doors for diverse product development.
    • Flavor Versatility: Its distinct tangy notes are ideal for culinary creations such as Mexican-style sauces and fermented condiments.
    • Clean-Label Functionality: The purée serves as an effective clean-label texturizer in various recipes.
  • Cost Efficiency:
    • Savings Potential: It offers potential cost reductions in recipes that traditionally rely on more expensive green ingredients, such as avocado.
    • Reduced Import Dependency: The product may lessen the need for imported or heavily processed alternatives.

HIT's development provides a new product avenue for the processing tomato industry.
 
Source: HIT

Additional information: Green TASTE – Proder 2020 project link

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