In W22 in the tomato landscape, it was reported that the Ukrainian greenhouse plants were forced to reduce selling prices for their tomatoes due to a decrease in imported products and an increase in the supply of local greenhouse complexes. Ukrainian greenhouse plants ship tomatoes at an average of USD 1.64-2.19/kg (UAH 60-80/kg), a 12% decrease in WoW. However, the demand for local tomatoes remains low, with most wholesale companies and retail chains purchasing them in small bulk for ongoing sales. Despite the price reduction, greenhouse tomatoes in Ukraine cost an average of 17% more than at the beginning of June 2022. Coldiretti Puglia has warned of the potential increase in the price of processing tomatoes in central and southern Italy. The lack of an agreement on tomato prices in the South, along with adverse weather conditions, rising costs of energy products and raw materials, and an expected concentrated harvest period between late August and early September 2023 contribute to this concern. Puglia holds the majority of tomato production within the Southern Italian supply chain, with 1.5 billion kg produced in Puglia and 249 million kg in Campania. The 'DOP Pomodoro di Puglia' and 'IGP Pomodoro di Puglia' are European brands that signify products possessing distinct characteristics rooted in historical origins tied to the specific designated region. The tomato contact group, composed of France, Italy, Portugal, and Spain, has highlighted the negative impact of extra-community tomato imports and Brussels' regulations on phytosanitary products on Spanish tomato production. The Spanish Federation of Associations of Exporting Producers of Fruit, Vegetables, Flowers, and Live Plants has decided to seek extraordinary aid from the European Commission and raise concerns regarding the lack of enforcement of the cooperation and safeguard clauses outlined in the European Union's Association Agreement with Morocco and the tariff concessions related to the productions of Western Sahara. The group also examined the summer campaign forecasts, revealing an estimated 5% overall decline in tomato production across the countries, primarily attributed to decreased yields.
Nigerians are facing a potential scarcity of tomatoes as farmers in the five primary tomato-producing states of the country grapple with significant losses of over USD 11.7 million (NGN 5.6 billion) within a month, due to the devastating impact of tuta absoluta on their farms. This situation primarily affects farmers in Kaduna, Kano, Gombe, Jigawa, and Plateau. Tuta absoluta, a moth species belonging to the family Gelechiidae, poses a severe threat to tomato crops, with its larvae causing up to 100% loss if not effectively controlled. The tomato prices in Nigeria have experienced a significant decline due to the recent scarcity of tomatoes caused by the Tuta Absoluta pest infestation. Merchants have opted to import tomatoes from Ghana and Cameroon, leading to a drop in the initial price. The Moroccan export tomato campaign is coming to an end, with most growers having completed their export schedules. However, a few growers continue to grow specific varieties of elongated tomatoes and cherry tomatoes aimed primarily at the UK market. Although prices showed improvement towards the end of the season, they were insufficient to compensate for losses caused by adverse weather conditions, phytosanitary issues, and government-imposed export restrictions. The production costs have increased in 2023 by 50% due to the increase in prices of inputs, fertilizers, and nutritious products.
In W22, tomato sales prices fell WoW, in all markets monitored by Hortifruti/Cepea due to the faster harvesting pace of the winter crop and increased temperatures, which favored fruit maturation. The 3A long-life salad tomato was sold at USD 18.4/box (BRL 90.8/box) wholesale in So Paulo (SP), a devaluation of 14.57% compared to the previous week. At wholesale in Campinas (SP), the product was sold at USD 22.5/cx (BRL 111.1/cx), down 16.45%; In Belo Horizonte (BH), at USD 18.28/cx (BRL 90/cx), down 10% and in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), at USD 22.15/cx (BRL 109/cx), 6.28% lower. Turkmenistan has been successfully competing with Uzbekistan in its traditional markets for years, and now greenhouse tomatoes from Turkmenistan are demonstrating significant progress in quality. This improvement is evident in the Tajikistan market, where the first substantial shipment of greenhouse tomatoes arrived on May 29, 2023.
