Last assault for the paradise: only after the holiday comes the real black soup?

As the Easter period of 2026 approaches, a significant price increase is being observed in the tomato market in the Netherlands. In recent weeks, the tightening supply and the surge in holiday demand have together created a market situation that has driven up prices for almost all types of tomatoes. This process is not only felt in the Netherlands, but also in several other European countries, indicating that it is a structural phenomenon. The current market situation clearly shows how sensitive the European vegetable market is to changes in import supply, as well as to how quickly holiday periods can intensify existing market tensions. Two main factors are behind the rise in tomato prices: restricted imports and seasonal demand growth. In recent times, the reduction in quantities arriving from abroad has made the supply in the Dutch market scarce. Although domestic production is gradually increasing, it is not yet sufficient to offset the drop in imports. The combined effect of ...