Kraft Heinz is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its annual tomato harvest at the Conesa tomato farm in Badajoz, Spain, the largest of its kind in Europe. This significant milestone highlights the company’s commitment to quality and sustainability in producing its iconic Heinz Tomato Ketchup, Beanz, and Tomato Soup.
Each year, more than one million tonnes of tomatoes are harvested from over 10,000 hectares of land at the Conesa farm, an area four times the size of New York’s Central Park. The harvest, which spans up to six weeks and usually concludes in late September, is a critical operation for Kraft Heinz. Within hours of being picked, the tomatoes are processed on-site into paste, forming the base for the company’s famous products.
The partnership between Kraft Heinz and the Conesa farm, which spans three generations of the Vászquez family, has refined the tomato growing and processing methods. The farm cultivates two distinct varieties of tomatoes to meet the specific needs of Heinz’s product range. A fleshy tomato is used for the ketchup, processed using a unique ‘extra-hot break’ technology to produce a thicker, smoother paste. For Heinz Beanz and soups, a less fleshy variety is chosen to ensure the best flavour in every can.
This year’s harvest underscores the success of sustainable farming practices introduced by Kraft Heinz. Since the beginning of the partnership, Conesa has adopted regenerative techniques, including cover cropping and soil health improvements. As a result, 95% of Heinz tomatoes are now perfectly ripe when harvested, and leftover plant material is composted back into the soil, enhancing future crop yields.
Patrick Sheridan, Kraft Heinz’s Global Head of Agriculture & Sustainability, praised the ongoing success of the harvest. “The tomato harvest is always a highlight in my calendar. Seeing the results of our efforts and those of the Vászquez family and the Conesa team confirms that our agricultural focus is on the right path. Every adjustment to soil composition or crop process significantly impacts the quality of the tomatoes, and it shows in our products.”
Manuel Vázquez Calleja, CEO of the Conesa Group, reflected on the fruitful partnership. “Working with Kraft Heinz has transformed our approach to tomato farming. Each year, our yield and processing capabilities improve, which is especially important given changing weather patterns and climate challenges. This year’s harvest celebrates our progress, collaboration, and dedication.”
Sheridan concluded, “Tomatoes are central to many of Kraft Heinz’s most beloved products. I’m proud that our agricultural practices match the high standards of our products. This year’s successful harvest is a testament to our ongoing commitment, and we look forward to another productive year in 2025.”
