Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormShelf-stable concentrate (puree)
Industry PositionProcessed Agricultural Product
Market
Tomato puree in Australia is supplied through a mix of domestic processing and imported processed tomato concentrates, making the market import-competitive. Domestic production is closely tied to the processing-tomato industry in northern Victoria and southern New South Wales, including large-scale processing centered around Echuca (VIC). Industry commentary reported by ABC Rural indicates a minority share of processed tomato products sold in Australia are locally made, highlighting strong competitive pressure from cheaper imports. Market access is tightly shaped by DAFF biosecurity import conditions (BICON) and the Imported Food Inspection Scheme, alongside FSANZ Food Standards Code requirements and Australia’s country-of-origin food labelling information standard.
Market RoleNet importer with a domestic processing base
Domestic RoleStaple pantry ingredient for households and a common input for sauces, soups and prepared foods in foodservice and manufacturing.
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighNon-compliance with DAFF biosecurity import conditions (BICON) and/or failure under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme (label/visual assessment or analytical testing) can result in holds, relabelling requirements, re-export, or destruction of imported tomato puree consignments.Pre-check BICON pathway conditions and ensure end-to-end label/composition compliance against the Food Standards Code before shipment; maintain complete documentary pack and supplier test/COA files for rapid IFIS response.
Food Safety MediumImported foods can be listed as failing food for issues such as non-permitted additives/ingredients or analytical test failures, increasing future inspection intensity via holding orders and disrupting continuity of supply.Validate additive permissions and limits under the Food Standards Code and keep formulation change control; implement supplier approval and periodic verification testing aligned to risk.
Logistics MediumTomato puree/concentrate is freight- and container-sensitive; shipping disruptions or freight spikes can rapidly change landed cost and service levels in an import-competitive market.Diversify origins/suppliers, contract forward freight where feasible, and carry safety stock for high-turn SKUs during peak shipping disruption periods.
Commercial MediumDomestic processors face strong price competition from cheaper imports, which can contribute to local industry consolidation, product rationalisation, or shifting business models for by-product monetisation.Use dual sourcing (domestic + import), lock multi-month contracts for critical items, and segment product specs (e.g., premium local-origin vs value import) to reduce substitution risk.
Sustainability- Water and climate variability risk for domestic processing-tomato supply in key production districts (processor throughput sensitivity).
- Packaging waste and circularity expectations for shelf-stable pantry products (retail compliance and brand commitments).
Labor & Social- Seasonal labour and workforce constraints in Australian horticulture supply chains can create production and cost volatility.
- Supplier social-compliance screening may be expected for farm labour practices supporting domestically processed tomato inputs.
Standards- HACCP-based food safety management systems (Codex-aligned, referenced by DAFF for recognised certificates where applicable)
- BRCGS Global Standard Food Safety (commonly used private certification framework for food manufacturing sites)
FAQ
How is tomato puree defined for trade and labelling purposes?Codex Standard CXS 57-1981 defines tomato puree as a processed tomato concentrate with at least 7% but less than 24% natural total soluble solids (measured salt-free). Tomato paste is defined as at least 24% natural total soluble solids.
Which Australian regulators and systems are most relevant when importing tomato puree for sale?DAFF sets biosecurity import conditions via BICON and monitors imported food under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme (IFIS) under the Imported Food Control Act framework. FSANZ sets Food Standards Code requirements for labelling and composition, and country-of-origin food labelling rules are set out in an information standard with ACCC guidance.
What can happen if an imported tomato puree consignment fails Australia’s imported food checks?If DAFF inspection or testing identifies a failure, the product can be held and may need to be relabelled (where permitted) or otherwise re-exported or destroyed under supervision before it can be released for sale.
Is country-of-origin labelling required for tomato puree sold at retail in Australia?In general, most foods offered or suitable for retail sale in Australia must carry country-of-origin information that follows the Country of Origin Food Labelling Information Standard 2016, with detailed requirements depending on how the food is classified and where it was grown, produced, made or packed.