Japan's Yatsushiro targets 31% increase in cherry tomato shipments

Cherry tomato growers in Japan's Yatsushiro region plan to ship around 2.5 million cases during the 2026 season, a 31% increase from the previous year, according to JA Kumamoto. The production area has also expanded by 13% to approximately 60 hectares.

The season began in early October, when 23 growers delivered around 5 tonnes of cherry tomatoes to the JA Yatsushiro sorting facility. The first batch, comprising approximately 1,600 cases of 3 kg each, was shipped to markets in the Kanto and Kansai regions.

The growers' association now operates two cherry tomato sorting facilities, following the addition of a second location last year. The extra capacity has reduced transport times for nearby producers and improved sorting efficiency during peak periods.

Akio Hayashi of JA's horticulture department said initial shipments exceeded those of a typical season despite concerns about the effects of extreme heat and an earthquake. Volumes are expected to increase towards the end of the year.

source and photo: a-kumamoto.or.jp