The present invention concerns a process for the production of lycopene from by-products of tomato processing, comprising the following steps: - extracting lycopene from the raw material using water as solvent and with the assistance of ultrasounds, obtaining an extraction liquid made of exhausted solid biomass and liquid extract made of water that contains lycopene and pectins； - separating the solid biomass from the liquid extract by centrifugation of the extraction liquid； - separating lycopene and pectins from water by centrifugation of the liquid extract； - separating lycopene from pectins. The invention further concerns a plant for the processing of said process.
