Belgium: Tomato price rises, volumes still lower

Published Apr 13, 2023

Tridge summary

During the week leading up to Easter, there were noticeable fluctuations in the prices of various fruits and vegetables in Belgium, as reported by the Federation of Belgian Horticultural Cooperatives (VBT). While tomato prices experienced a significant increase, reaching more than twice the five-year average, both cucumber and lettuce prices saw a decrease, with lettuce prices dropping below the five-year average for field lettuce. Bell pepper prices remained stable, but strawberry prices surged sharply. Anticipating a recovery in production volumes, which have been affected by the energy crisis, growers express optimism for the spring season, despite concerns over persisting high prices and the economic impact on consumers.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

In the run-up to Easter, tomato prices rose, but cucumber and lettuce prices fell. Bell pepper prices proved unaffected by Easter, at least judging by the median price at the Federation of Belgian Horticultural Cooperatives (VBT). The median price over week 14 here is similar to that of week 13. Strawberry prices, on the other hand, rose sharply. With an average kilo price of over EUR 2.56, the average price for peppers in week 14 is above the prices of 2021 and 2022. Orange pepper prices lag behind yellow and red, however. Tomato prices are also well above the five-year average. The median price for loose tomatoes in week 14 is EUR 2.84. An average price higher than in 2021 and 2022 and more than twice the five-year average. The average price for vine tomatoes is at 2.33 EUR. The average price for cucumber dipped briefly below the five-year average in week 12 but then climbed back up to above the five-year average. In week 14, this resulted in an average price of just under 33 ...

Source: Hortidaily