In W26 in the tomato landscape, tomato prices are expected to increase to over USD 1.21/kg (INR 100/kg) in India due to a shortage of tomato supply. Farmers in Kolar decided to grow beans in 2023 because of the significant drop in tomato prices in Jun-23. The supply shortage has resulted in buyers shifting to West Bengal, Odisha, and Bangladesh. Farmers in Nepal are disposing of 400 tons of tomatoes near Kalimati, the primary vegetable market in Kathmandu, as they were unable to sell them at reasonable prices. They assert that the tomatoes were being sold at a higher price in Pokhara. In addition, the state government in India has confirmed that the recent 200% increase in tomato prices in Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh is a temporary seasonal phenomenon, and the prices will cool down soon. The highest selling price for tomatoes was reported at USD 1.48/kg (INR 122/kg) in Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, the Tajikistan market is experiencing a significant drop in tomato prices, with retail prices currently at (USD 0.20/kg). This decrease in prices affects farmers who receive lower payments for their produce. Tajikistan imports more than 1 thousand tons of tomatoes each year, and there is a potential for a record-high import volume in 2023 due to an increase in winter supply.
Mexico's tomato imports to the United States (US) increased by 25.9% from Jan-23 to -Apr-23, reaching USD 1.086 billion, surpassing the record set in 2022 when it exported tomatoes for an all-time high of USD 2.477 billion. The Florida Tomato Exchange (FTE) seeks to end the Tomato Suspension Agreement due to insufficient protection against unfair imports and the impact of unfairly traded Mexican tomatoes. The FTE argues it has not fulfilled its legal obligation to protect the American tomato industry.
In Q1-23, Morocco sold 31% of tomatoes in the European Union (EU), while Spain sold 25%. This marks Morocco's first time selling more tomatoes than Spain in the first three months of 2023. Spain sold 160.9 million kg of tomatoes, 67.33 million kg less than in 2021, while Morocco sold 196.48 million kg, 17.45 million kg more. Spanish tomato sales in the EU decreased by USD 430.5 million (EUR 40.21 million) in 2023, representing an 11.51% YoY decrease. Three French tomato varieties have received the coveted Red Label, marking the first time in six years. The success was made possible by collaboration between organizations and institutions, including AIFLG, Lot-et-Garonne department, Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, the French government, and INAO. The Red Label guarantees superior product quality, defined by taste and texture. In Poland, local tomato prices have declined rapidly due to an increasing supply. Currently, raspberry tomato producers sell their tomatoes for prices ranging from USD 1.34/kg (PLN 5.50/kg) to USD 1.62/kg (PLN 6.67/kg).
