British tomato production

British tomato production amounts to about 75,000 metric tons per year. This figure represents about a quarter of the total volume of tomatoes sold in the country through the year, and up to a half in the summer.
The import is over 300,000 tons of fresh tomatoes (as opposed to processed tomato products) each year.
Total consumption of fresh tomatoes is around 420,000 tons. This means that with a population of 59 millions, we eat 5oz (140g) of fresh tomatoes per person per week or 16lbs (7.25kg) per person per year. This is the equivalent of two British classic tomatoes per week, or more than 100 per year. This is higher than previous estimates but still very low compared with other European countries, especially those in the Mediterranean region.
About 150 hectares (370 acres) of glasshouses are used to produce tomatoes in Britain.
The retail value of British tomato production, allowing for 50% of the area being speciality types, is around £150 millions.
Premium tomatoes, such as tomatoes on the vine, are driving growth in the market. Vine tomatoes now account for over 40% of the UK tomato production area.
The strength of the pound has increased the flow of cheap foreign imports. Around 190,000 tons are imported from Spain and the Canary Islands, with a further 90,000 tons from Holland, 8,000 tons from Belgium, 9,000 tons from Italy, 5,000 tons from France and 3,000 tons from Israel. Imports from Morocco and Poland are increasing rapidly.
Approximately 2,500 people are currently employed in the British tomato industry and two million bumble bees!