Italians set for hard talking After two financially disastrous years, the Italian tomato industry is bracing itself for some hard bargaining with its export buyers, the UK being one of the most important. The 30% uplift in price may not give the return the packers need, according to sources in Naples. Since the switch of the subsidy payment from canners to growers, costs have escalated, forcing the packers to renew their approach to pre-season contract pricing. UK buyers have adequate stocks to carry them into the new season, so there will be no rush to buy. {{CANNED GOODS }}