Tomato Ketchup Base Processing Equipment | Full Line from Tomato Paste to Finished Sauce

You Don't Need a Hundred Tons Per Day to Be Profitable

Many food entrepreneurs believe that tomato paste production requires massive scale and million-dollar investment. That is simply not true. Our small to medium scale tomato processing plant is designed specifically for startups, cooperatives, and local manufacturers who want to enter the paste market with sensible investment and grow over time.

Scale That Matches Your Market

Our modular line starts at just two tons of fresh tomato per hour. That may sound small, but consider the math. Two tons of raw tomato at 4.5 percent Brix will produce approximately four hundred kilograms of 28 percent Brix paste per hour. In an eight hour shift, that is over three metric tons of finished paste. For a local market serving bakeries, sauce makers, and food service distributors, that is a meaningful volume that generates real revenue while keeping your capital expenditure under control.

What a Starter Line Includes

A complete starter line begins with a simple flume wash tank and roller sorting table where workers remove damaged or green fruit. Next, a thermophysical crusher heats the tomatoes to inactivate enzymes – this is essential even for small lines because uncontrolled enzyme activity will destroy your paste viscosity. A finisher separates skins and seeds, sending smooth puree to a single effect batch evaporator or a small rising film evaporator. Finally, a hot filling station packs your paste into sterilized drums or cans.

That is everything you need. No unnecessary automation. No overengineered components. Just reliable equipment that produces professional grade paste.

Grow as You Grow – Modular Expansion Path

Your first line does not have to be your final line. Every piece of equipment we manufacture is designed for incremental upgrades.

In year one, start with a two to five ton per hour line with hot fill into drums. Sell to local restaurants and small sauce makers. By year two, add a vacuum evaporator to improve color and reduce cooking flavor. Upgrade from hot fill to aseptic bag filling for extended shelf life. In year three, add a second effect to your evaporator to reduce steam consumption, or scale up to ten tons per hour with a larger crusher and finisher. You only pay for what you need today, and you expand when your market demands more volume.

We Work with Your Local Tomato Varieties

Different tomato varieties behave very differently in processing. Roma and peeling tomatoes have high solids and produce excellent paste. Salad tomatoes or overripe fruit have lower Brix and higher water content – they require more evaporation and produce less paste per ton. Before we design your line, we ask you to send samples of your local tomatoes or provide typical Brix and pH readings. We then adjust crusher temperatures, finisher screen sizes, and evaporator parameters specifically for your fruit. A one-size-fits-all line does not work for tomato processing. Your line will be sized for your tomatoes.

Realistic Investment, Realistic Return

A complete two to five ton per hour starter line typically requires an investment between forty thousand and one hundred twenty thousand US dollars depending on automation level and local shipping costs. Based on tomato prices and finished paste values across West Africa, South Asia, and Central America, most customers achieve full payback within ten to sixteen months of regular operation during tomato season.

No Technical Background Required

You do not need an engineering degree to run this line. Every machine comes with a picture by picture operation manual and video tutorials. During installation, we provide seven to ten days of on site training for your operators. After we leave, you still have WhatsApp or WeChat technical support with response guaranteed within four hours.

Take the First Step

Stop waiting for the perfect factory or the perfect timing. Start with a compact line, learn your market, and expand when you are ready. Request a starter line quote today and tell us your local tomato variety and target capacity. We will help you plan a realistic production launch that fits your budget.