The tomato of El Perelló has once again proven to be much more than an emblematic local product. Unipro Cooperative celebrated the 14th edition of the official launch of the tomato season with an emotional solidarity event that raised a total of €9,345, entirely donated to Apasu, the Association of Parents of People with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Sueca.

The event, held at the cooperative’s main facilities, brought together institutional representatives, farmers, workers, and local residents in a gathering that has become a key social and agricultural date in the Ribera region. This year, under the slogan “Together We Add Up – Solidarity Chain”, the traditional auction of the first tomatoes of the season evolved into a more participatory and collective fundraising format.

A solidarity chain that breaks records

The event began with an initial contribution of €5,325, resulting from donations made by the cooperative itself — which contributed €2,000 — along with contributions from workers and people linked to Unipro.

From that point onwards, voluntary donations were opened to attendees with a minimum contribution of €50, helping to raise the final amount to €9,345 — a record-breaking figure that reflects the commitment and involvement of the entire community.

As a token of appreciation, participants were able to take home part of the nearly 50 kilos of the first tomatoes harvested during the 2026 season. A symbolic gesture that allowed attendees to share the first fruits of the season while taking part in one of El Perelló’s most deeply rooted traditions.

Much more than a fundraising event

Representatives from Apasu Sueca highlighted the human value of the event, publicly thanking the cooperative and everyone involved for their support and commitment.

“Families need more than financial support — they also need affection, companionship, hugs, smiles, and people to walk alongside them,” they stated during the event, adding that this goal “was fully achieved” throughout the day.

The effort behind a unique product

Unipro president David Pons highlighted “the enormous amount of work behind a high-quality product such as the tomato of El Perelló” and expressed special gratitude for “the daily dedication of the workers, whose effort allows us to maintain a seal of excellence recognised both inside and outside the Valencian Community”.

Meanwhile, the mayor of El Perelló, José Coloñer, pointed out that this charitable event symbolically marks the beginning of a new season and also serves as a prelude to the upcoming Tomato Fair, which will take place on June 5th, 6th, and 7th.

He also emphasised the tremendous effort made by farming families, stating that “behind all of this there is an enormous family effort capable of producing a truly unique food product”, while also underlining that Unipro “represents not only agricultural quality, but also strong human values”.

A long-standing tradition in the Valencian Community

After fourteen editions, the opening event for the tomato season in El Perelló has established itself as one of the most representative dates in the Valencian agricultural calendar.

Over the years, the traditional auction of the first crate of tomatoes steadily gained recognition and fundraising power, often reaching figures far beyond the commercial value of the product itself, always for charitable purposes.

This year’s new format, centred around collective participation and solidarity, further strengthened the social nature of the event and expanded the number of people involved — including neighbours, farmers, workers, and institutions — turning the day into a true symbol of social cohesion and commitment to the local community.