Soaring UK tomato prices hit 50-year high

Tomato prices have risen sharply in recent years and are expected to continue to rise. This occurs simultaneously with inflation rising to 4%, contrary to forecasts of a downward trend. Unlike other goods, the price growth for which is slowing down, it is predicted that tomatoes will continue to rise in price, EastFruit reports with reference to FreshPlaza. Tomato production costs have risen by 38.5% since 2022, the biggest jump among the UK's nine major fruit and vegetables. UK tomato growers' overhead costs, such as energy, packaging and labour, have increased dramatically over the past year and a half. Wholesale tomato prices have increased significantly over the past 18 months. Average tomato prices reached a 50-year peak of £3.26 per kilogram last year, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The impact of climate change on crops in key importing countries and rising production costs are expected to reduce UK tomato production this year. Read also: Have Turkmen ...