A local food and agro-allied products company, Vital Products Limited is planning on establishing a new N120 million tomato processing plant in Lagos.

The plant will use 120 tonnes of fresh tomatoes daily and the company already gained the support of major tomato farmers across Nigeria to ensure that the plant has a steady supply of tomatoes.

Vital began its operations in Nigeria nine years ago with the production of the Vitavite Multivitamin Fruit Drink. It currently also has brands such as Energee Plus and Zico Flavoured drink among others. The company will be the first to produce tomato paste locally in Nigeria. All tomato paste consumed in Nigeria is currently being imported.

The new plant is expected to come onstream before the end of the year.