Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Fresh (chilled) tomatoes are produced in Guatemala, with MAGA providing extension support to growers (e.g., technical training delivered to tomato producers in Tejutla, San Marcos). Trade data show Guatemala is an exporting origin for fresh tomatoes (HS 070200), with 2023 exports reported at about USD 30.5 million and 60.6 million kg, led by shipments to the United States and neighboring Central American markets. Market access and shipment continuity depend heavily on phytosanitary certification managed by MAGA (VISAR) for plant products and on customs processes administered by SAT. Because tomatoes are highly perishable and temperature-sensitive, cold-chain discipline and rapid border clearance are important to reduce quality loss and rejection risk.
Market RoleProducer and exporter
Domestic RoleDomestic fresh vegetable supply with complementary export flows
Specification
Physical Attributes- Commercial quality commonly emphasizes uniform shape appropriate to type (e.g., round/globe/roma), uniform color development, cleanliness, firmness, and freedom from defects (growth cracks, sunscald, insect injury, bruising).
Grades- U.S. No. 1
- U.S. No. 2
- U.S. Combination
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Farm harvest → sorting/grading → packing → domestic wholesale/retail OR export dispatch → border/port procedures → importer distribution
Temperature- Temperature targets depend on maturity: mature-green commonly 12.5–15°C; light-red 10–12.5°C; chilling injury risk increases below ~10°C with extended exposure.
Atmosphere Control- Avoid co-shipment with ethylene-sensitive commodities; ethylene management can affect ripening behavior during distribution.
Shelf Life- Mature-green fruit can be held up to about two weeks near 12.5°C prior to ripening under appropriate conditions; extended cold exposure below recommended ranges increases chilling injury and decay risk.
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeLand
Risks
Phytosanitary Compliance HighA missing, invalid, or non-conforming phytosanitary certification/inspection outcome can block or delay tomato shipments involving Guatemala because MAGA (VISAR) uses phytosanitary certification to demonstrate compliance and quarantine-pest/disease safeguards for regulated plant products in import/export.Align shipment documentation and inspection planning with MAGA (VISAR) phytosanitary requirements; run pre-shipment checks with the exporter/customs agent to avoid document mismatches at clearance.
Logistics MediumFresh tomatoes are temperature- and time-sensitive; border delays, cold-chain breaks, or extended transit can quickly reduce firmness and marketability and increase rejection/claims risk.Use maturity-appropriate temperature setpoints, minimize dwell time at consolidation and border nodes, and prioritize fast lanes/appointments where available.
Plant Health MediumEmerging tomato viruses such as Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) are globally reported and can trigger strict quarantine responses; contamination pathways (e.g., infected plant material/seed, mechanical transmission) can cause severe disruptions in production and trade programs even without human health risk.Strengthen seed/plant material sourcing controls, sanitation protocols, and rapid diagnostic capacity; monitor official plant-health alerts and buyer requirements for testing/attestations.
FAQ
Where did Guatemala export fresh tomatoes in 2023?UN Comtrade data (via WITS) reports that Guatemala’s 2023 exports of fresh/chilled tomatoes (HS 070200) went mainly to the United States and El Salvador, with additional shipments to Canada, Mexico, Honduras, and smaller volumes to other partners.
Why is the phytosanitary certificate a critical document for tomato trade involving Guatemala?MAGA (through VISAR) issues official phytosanitary certification for plants and plant products to demonstrate compliance with national and international phytosanitary requirements and to help prevent the spread of quarantine pests and diseases. Without this certification where required, shipments can be delayed or refused.
What temperatures help protect fresh tomato quality during distribution?UC Davis postharvest guidance indicates that optimum holding temperatures depend on maturity (for example, mature-green tomatoes commonly 12.5–15°C and light-red 10–12.5°C). Tomatoes are chilling-sensitive, and extended exposure below about 10°C increases the risk of chilling injury and quality loss.