Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of an aromatic amino acid metabolite or derivative thereof by aerobic fermentation of Escherichia coli, which fermentation comprises a growth and a production phase and in which fermentation glucose and L-tyrosine are controlled, wherein during at least part of the production phase, the glucose concentration in the fermentation medium is controlled within the range of 1-20 g/L and the L-tyrosine concentration in the fermentation medium is controlled below 36 mg/L.