In W31 in the tomato landscape, in Bulgaria, the prices of tomatoes experienced a decline in Jul-23. The greenhouse tomatoes were initially traded at the wholesale market for USD 1.68 per kilogram (BGN 3/kg), but by the end of July, the tomato's value dropped to around USD 1.35/kg (BGN 2.40/3kg). Similarly, field tomatoes fell from USD 1.63/2kg (BGN 2.90/kg) to under USD 1.12/kg (BGN 2/kg). Imported tomatoes also saw a significant drop, falling by 11 to 12% (month-on-month) MoM in mid-month and being traded wholesale for USD 1.43 (BGN 2.55) at the end of Jul-23.
A genetically engineered purple tomato, developed by nutritionists in Norwich, United Kingdom (UK), has been approved for sale in the United States (US) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The developers plan to grow the product commercially in the UK. However, campaigners against genetically-modified foods have called the project "conceited." The Professor, who developed the purple tomato, claims it has "extraordinary antioxidant properties" due to the addition of snapdragon flower genes. She believes it would be more beneficial for people to eat more nutritious food in the UK and around the world. Also, according to the National Chamber of Agriculture and the Hungarian Fruit and Vegetable Association's joint market map, fresh Hungarian tomatoes are available from April until winter. The agricultural sector in Hungary has seen significant development, enabling the production of domestic and export vegetables, including clustered and berry fruits. This growth has contributed to the availability of Hungarian tomatoes throughout a large part of 2023.
The Ukrainian tomato market has seen a resumption of selling prices, primarily due to the entry of open field tomatoes. This has led to a significant price drop for both open field and greenhouse tomato products. There is intense competition among tomato producers, with Ukrainian greenhouse complexes offering tomatoes at lower prices than W30. Specifically, prices are now averaging USD 0.55-0.88/kg (UAH 20-32/kg ), which is around 30% WoW lower. The main factors contributing to this situation are the increase in tomato supply, stable production from greenhouse complexes, and substantial volumes of tomatoes from open ground. . However, the demand for tomatoes is currently restrained, prompting Ukrainian producers to lower prices in order to stimulate sales in this market segment.
Wholesale traders in India are facing losses as the sale of seasonal vegetables like tomatoes, capsicum, and tomatoes fell drastically. The prices of tomatoes have increased from USD 1.93/kg (INR 160/kg) in the wholesale market to USD 2.66/kg (INR 220/kg), potentially leading to higher retail prices.
Lastly, in Russia, the inspector of Rosselkhoznadzor detained 14 tons of tomatoes during quarantine phytosanitary control of a batch of Kazakh tomatoes, revealing the presence of the South American tomato moth. Tomatoes were delivered from the Aktobe region of Kazakhstan to Novosibirsk by road, accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate. The entire volume of contaminated quarantine products was prohibited for further sale on Russian Federation territory and is currently being transported to a Kazakhstani consignor. The South American tomato moth is an insect that damages tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, and other nightshades. Pests penetrate greenhouses, are transferred with seedlings, and infect all parts of the plant throughout the vegetative cycle.
