As Mutti wraps up its earliest harvest ever, having started a full 10 days ahead of its usual schedule, CEO Francesco Mutti says he’s “extremely depressed”.

“I’m definitely concerned about tomatoes, but I’m much more concerned about the bigger picture,” he says. “We are raising our temperature in an unbelievable way, and that puts a question not only on tomatoes but on what will be our future.”

Mutti has reason to be worried. Italy recorded its hottest summer ever this year with temperatures as high as 45°c in some regions. As in the UK, Italy faced a severe water shortage, typified by the River Po falling by up to 80% – a “disaster”, he says.