In W42 in the tomato landscape, tomato prices remained significantly high in Sep-23 due to cultivation issues in competing countries like Morocco and Spain. This led to delayed volumes and extended late-summer conditions, encouraging increased consumer tomato purchases, with an average price of USD 1.89 per kilogram (EUR 1.77/kg). Dutch cherry and specialty tomatoes experienced the most significant price increase, averaging 165% higher than usual. European statisticians monitor imports and exports in the European Union (EU), revealing more tomato imports from Morocco and Turkey and fewer to the United Kingdom (UK). Morocco's tomatoes are primarily exported to France, followed by the UK.
Greenhouse tomato prices in Ukraine are rising due to limited supply in the market. Cold weather in various regions has reduced tomato yields in stationary greenhouses. Additionally, cheaper summer greenhouse tomatoes are scarce. Greenhouse tomatoes stood at USD 1.28 to 1.64/kg (UAH 47 to 60/kg), a 10% week-on-week (WoW) increase. The demand for tomatoes remains high even after the price hike, prompting producers to consider further price increases in the coming week.
The industrial tomato harvest in Northern Italy reached 2.7 million tons, a 12% decrease in total production compared to what was negotiated between the industry and the Producer Organizations (OP), with an average field yield of 71.88 tons per hectare (ha), lower than the previous five years' average of 73.93 tons/ha. Integrated production yields were consistent with the five-year average. In contrast, organic production had a lower field yield of 47.41 tons/ha than the previous five-year average of 62.87 tons/ha.
In W42, Grape tomatoes are witnessing a notable price increase during the 2023/24 season due to a lower-than-expected supply volume. While the available products maintain good quality, the volume does not meet the demand at the Free on Board (FOB) McAllen Market, United States (US). Consequently, prices are forecasted to continue rising until late Jan-24. Grape tomatoes ranged from USD 31 to 35 per 20-pound (lb) box. Major growers in Michoacán and Jalisco, México, are projected to maintain similar volume levels for W43.
Moreover, Michoacán and Jalisco, continue to be the primary states supplying the McAllen Market, United States (US), with Roma tomatoes from Jun-23 to Dec-23. Market conditions remain stable, with prices expected to remain relatively unchanged. The supply volume is consistent and the quality is generally good at the leading distributor's warehouse in the area. Prices stood at USD 16 to 17 per 25-lb box jumbo size, x-large priced at USD 14 to 15/25-lb box, large stood at USD 12 to 13 USD/25-lb box, and medium at USD 10 to 11/25-lb box. Both regions are beginning to experience colder temperatures, which could impact harvest volumes in the coming month and potentially lead to price fluctuations.