• British tomato production amounts to about 75,000 metric tonnes per year. This figure represents about a fifth of the total volume of tomatoes sold in the country through the year, and up to a half in the summer.

• We import over 400,000 tonnes of fresh tomatoes (as opposed to processed tomato products) each year.

• Total consumption of fresh tomatoes is around 500,000 tonnes and rising. This means that with a population of 59 millions, we eat 6oz (160g) of fresh tomatoes per person per week or 19lbs (8.5kg) per person per year. This is the equivalent of two British classic tomatoes per week, or more than 100 per year. This is higher than previous estimates but still very low compared with other European countries, especially those in the Mediterranean region.

• About 200 hectares (500 acres) of glasshouses are used to produce tomatoes in Britain. After many years of decline, this figure is currently increasing with a number of new projects under way and expansion of existing companies.

• The retail value of British tomato production, allowing for most of the area now being speciality types, is around £175 millions out of a total retail market value of £625 millions.

• Premium tomatoes, such as tomatoes on the vine, are driving growth in the market. Vine tomatoes now account for half of the UK tomato production area.

• The strength of the pound increased the flow of cheap foreign imports with major suppliers being Spain and the Canary Islands, Holland, Morocco, Poland, Italy, Belgium, and Israel.

• Approximately 2,500 people are currently employed in the British tomato industry and two million bumble bees!

• The most popular fruits eaten in the UK (accepting that tomatoes are technically a fruit) are:

1. Banana
2. Apple
3. Orange
4. Tomato

(Data for Britain refers to the UK and the Channel Islands)