Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormShelf-stable concentrate (paste)
Industry PositionProcessed vegetable product / cooking ingredient
Market
Tomato paste in Greece is a domestically produced processed tomato concentrate used widely as a cooking base and also supplied into export channels within and beyond the EU. Greek branded retail products are marketed around “100% Greek tomatoes”, with sourcing and grower programs referenced in areas such as Gastouni and the plains of Thessaly. In trade terms, UN Comtrade data (via WITS) shows Greece as a net exporter for HS 200290 (tomatoes prepared/preserved otherwise than by vinegar) in 2023. As an EU Member State market, Greece’s tomato paste labeling and food-safety compliance expectations align with EU-wide rules.
Market RoleNet exporter (HS 200290 tomato preparations) with a domestic branded consumer market
Domestic RoleCommon household and foodservice cooking ingredient; sold in retail and used as an industrial input for sauces and prepared meals
Risks
Climate HighHeatwaves, drought and irrigation constraints can sharply reduce processing-tomato yields and disrupt raw-material availability for Greek tomato paste processors, increasing cost and tightening supply for domestic and export commitments.Diversify contracted sourcing across multiple Greek regions; implement irrigation and agronomic resilience programs with growers; maintain multi-origin contingency sourcing for bulk concentrate when feasible.
Logistics MediumBecause tomato paste/concentrates are freight-intensive in bulk formats, freight-rate volatility and packaging/energy cost swings can materially affect landed cost and export margin from Greece.Use shipment consolidation, optimize packaging formats by destination (retail vs bulk), and hedge/contract freight where volumes justify it.
Food Safety MediumNon-compliance with EU food-safety requirements (e.g., residues/contaminant issues or packaging integrity failures) can trigger border holds, withdrawals/recalls and RASFF notifications.Implement risk-based testing (raw material and finished product), supplier approval and traceability, and robust thermal process validation/pack integrity controls.
Regulatory Compliance MediumLabel non-compliance under EU food information rules (language, mandatory particulars, ingredient/additive declaration) can delay clearance or require relabeling for goods placed on the Greek/EU market.Pre-approve label artwork and specifications with the EU importer; maintain a regulatory checklist aligned to Regulation (EU) 1169/2011.
Sustainability- Water stewardship and drought resilience in processing-tomato production regions
- Heat stress risk affecting yields and raw-material solids (quality) in Mediterranean growing conditions
Standards- GLOBALG.A.P. (grower-level good agricultural practice programs referenced by KYKNOS)
- HACCP / ISO 22000 (food safety management systems referenced by KYKNOS-related materials)
- BRCGS Food Safety (referenced for KYKNOS lines in exhibitor material)
- IFS Food (referenced for KYKNOS lines in exhibitor material)
FAQ
What qualifies as “tomato paste” versus “tomato puree” in international standards used for trade?Codex defines “tomato paste” as a processed tomato concentrate with at least 24% natural total soluble solids (measured without added salt). “Tomato puree” is 7% to less than 24% natural total soluble solids.
Is Greece mainly an importer or exporter of tomato paste-type preparations?UN Comtrade data shown via the World Bank WITS tool indicates Greece was a net exporter for HS 200290 in 2023, with exports reported at about USD 47.9 million versus imports of about USD 17.1 million.
Which food-safety certifications are referenced for a major Greek tomato processor?Enterprise Greece exhibitor information for KYKNOS references certifications including HACCP/ISO 22000, ISO 9001, BRC Global Standard for Food Safety and IFS Food, and notes GLOBALG.A.P. at the crop-management/grower level.