Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormShelf-stable concentrate (tube/tin/jar)
Industry PositionProcessed Vegetable Product
Market
Tomato paste (processed tomato concentrate) is a shelf-stable staple in Paraguay’s grocery market, commonly sold as “extracto de tomate” in small consumer packs such as tubes and small tins (e.g., 70–220 g). Major Paraguayan online retailers list multiple brands including Norte, Arcor, Predilecta, Frutika and supermarket private-label (e.g., Bianca), indicating a multi-brand, multi-pack-size assortment in modern trade. For market access, Paraguay requires sanitary registration and Spanish labelling for processed, packaged foods; INAN communications note that food-registration procedures previously handled by INAN are now under DINAVISA following Law 7361/2024. Paraguay’s landlocked logistics creates a key vulnerability for inbound supply: low-water events on the Paraguay River have disrupted navigation and triggered carrier surcharges affecting containerized imports.
Market RoleDomestic consumption market (processed tomato concentrate widely distributed through retail; production/trade balance not quantified in this record)
Domestic RoleCommon pantry ingredient for household cooking and foodservice, distributed mainly through retail channels
SeasonalityYear-round availability driven by shelf-stable packaging and continuous retail replenishment.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Retail tomato paste in Paraguay is commonly sold as “extracto de tomate” in tube format and small consumer packs (e.g., 70 g, 140 g, 220 g).
Compositional Metrics- Natural total soluble solids (Brix/NTSS) is the core compositional metric used to classify tomato paste vs tomato puree under Codex.
Packaging- Consumer retail packs: tubes and small packs for “extracto de tomate” (e.g., 70–220 g)
- Industry reference: consumer paste can be filled in tins or glass jars; industrial paste can be packed aseptically in large bags inside drums
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Factory processing (concentration + pasteurization) → packed shelf-stable units → importer/distributor → retail (modern trade) → household/foodservice use
Temperature- Ambient (non-refrigerated) storage and distribution is typical for sealed, shelf-stable tomato paste
Shelf Life- Shelf stability depends on effective heat treatment and hermetic/aseptic packaging; post-opening handling becomes the primary spoilage risk
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Logistics HighSevere low-water levels on the Paraguay River can disrupt river navigation for a country that relies heavily on the waterway for international commerce, reducing vessel draft/cargo capacity and increasing transit time and freight costs; carriers have applied low-water surcharges for Paraguay-bound containers during such periods.Build buffer stock ahead of forecast low-water periods; secure alternative routings (land corridors via neighboring countries) and monitor carrier advisories and surcharge notices for Paraguay.
Regulatory Compliance MediumRegulatory transition risk: INAN communications state that food registration procedures previously handled by INAN are now under DINAVISA (Law 7361/2024). Using outdated checklists or the wrong authority pathway can delay registration and import clearance.Confirm current DINAVISA food-registration requirements and ensure the importer’s dossier (product + establishment as applicable) matches the current submission channel and authority.
Labeling MediumLabel non-conformity can block registration/market entry: INAN guidance requires label samples or label projects in Spanish (or translation by sworn translator, with MERCOSUR-related exceptions) as part of sanitary registration procedures.Pre-validate Spanish labeling artwork against DINAVISA/INAN guidance before shipment and align SKU-by-SKU label versions with the registered dossier.
Food Safety MediumProduct identity/composition disputes: Codex definitions distinguish tomato paste vs tomato puree by natural total soluble solids thresholds; misdesignation (e.g., selling puree-level concentrate as “paste”) can create regulatory or buyer non-conformance issues.Align product designation and specification to Codex STAN 57 definitions and maintain QA records (soluble solids tests) that support labeling claims.
Sustainability- Environmental controversy and scrutiny around Paraguay River waterway expansion/dredging in the Pantanal region may affect long-term river-logistics planning and stakeholder risk screening for Paraguay-linked supply chains.
FAQ
Which authority handles sanitary registration for packaged tomato paste marketed in Paraguay?INAN guidance notes that food-registration procedures that were previously handled by INAN are now under DINAVISA following Law 7361/2024. Importers should verify the current DINAVISA pathway before filing a new registration or renewal.
What label language expectations apply when registering imported tomato paste for sale in Paraguay?INAN guidance indicates that registration requires original labels or a label project in Spanish, or an official translation by a sworn translator where applicable (with MERCOSUR-related exceptions). Non-conforming labels can delay registration and market entry.
How does Codex distinguish tomato paste from tomato puree?Codex STAN 57 classifies tomato puree as processed tomato concentrate with at least 7% but less than 24% natural total soluble solids, and tomato paste as processed tomato concentrate with at least 24% natural total soluble solids (measured without added salt).