Valorisation of cherry tomato by-products to develop new functional ingredients
At Caña Nature, we firmly believe in circular economy, responsible innovation and a commitment to a more sustainable agri-food model. That’s why we are part of CHERRY4FOOD, a pioneering initiative that aims to transform what was once considered waste into high-value functional ingredients.
What is the CHERRY4FOOD project?
CHERRY4FOOD is a collaborative research and development project focused on the valorisation of cherry tomato by-products, particularly those generated during the production of fifth-range products such as our natural gazpachos and salmorejos.
These by-products —mainly tomato skins and seeds— have enormous nutritional and functional potential. Instead of discarding them, the project seeks to turn them into functional powders rich in fibre, antioxidants, and other bioactive compounds.
These new ingredients can be used for:
🌱 Formulating more sustainable feed for ruminants
🥬 Developing innovative food products for human consumption, such as energy bars or functional snacks
From waste to resource: the role of Caña Nature
As Marta Jiménez, Head of Marketing and Communication at Caña Nature, explains in a recent interview featured in the project’s official video: “Of all the cherry tomatoes we process at Caña Nature to produce our fifth-range products, approximately 3% is considered waste. But instead of discarding it, we give it new value and make it available to our CHERRY4FOOD partners for use in new food matrices.”
In this way, we close the loop — from the field to innovation. The by-products are turned into raw materials that re-enter the food chain, adding value and reducing environmental impact.
Innovation driven by circular bioeconomy
The CHERRY4FOOD project aligns with the principles of circular bioeconomy: giving a second life to agri-food by-products, reducing waste, and creating sustainable solutions that benefit both profitability and ecological footprint.
This initiative not only improves the use of natural resources but also opens the door to the development of healthier, more sustainable, and functional foods. As a company committed to natural food, the environment, and R&D, we at Caña Nature believe the future lies in merging technology with sustainability.
Moving toward a zero-waste production model
Through our active participation in CHERRY4FOOD, we move closer to zero waste and reinforce our dedication to a business model that respects the environment.
Turning what was once considered a by-product into a useful and valuable functional ingredient is a firm step toward a smarter and more sustainable food system.
🎥 Discover more about the project in this video on our social media: https://youtu.be/uecYjsTetoA.
