Brazil: Tomato lower supply and increased wholesale prices

Between December 16 and 20, the prices of a box of 3A salad tomatoes increased significantly in the main wholesale markets in Brazil. In São Paulo (SP), the average was R$64 per box, representing an increase of 48.8%. In Belo Horizonte (MG), the price reached R$71 per box (+69.7%), while in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), the value was R$60 per box (+38.3%). In Campinas (SP), the average reached R$74 per box, an increase of 29.7%. The reduction in supply was caused by several factors. In some producing regions, the milder temperatures recorded in the previous week slowed down the ripening process of the fruits, directly impacting the quantity available on the market. In addition, the early end of the tomato harvest in locations such as Reserva (PR) and the eradication of crops that had not yet been finished contributed to the shortage. Another factor that influenced the lower availability was the cool weather during the nights in Venda Nova do Imigrante (ES) and Itapeva (SP). In these ...