Heirloom plant conservationist Amy P. Goldman calls the San Marzano "the most important industrial tomato of the 20th century"; its commercial introduction in 1926 provided canneries with a "sturdy, flawless subject, and breeders with genes they'd be raiding for decades". Though commercial production of the San Marzano variety is most closely associated with Italy, seeds for the variety are available worldwide.
The San Marzano tomato is a significant variety due to its commercial success in the 20th century, particularly its role as a reliable source of tomatoes for canning. Its genetic traits have been valuable for breeders seeking to improve other tomato varieties.