In W35 in the tomato landscape, European Union (EU) tomato prices fell slightly in July to USD 1.50 per kilogram (kg), despite being above average compared to the past five years. In the Netherlands, cherry and specialty tomato prices are almost 200% higher than the five-year average in Jul-23, with an average yield of USD 2.65/kg (EUR 2.47/kg). In Italy, cherry and specialty tomato prices decreased in Jul-23 month-on-month (MoM), but loose tomato prices increased by 39% MoM. Loose tomatoes are more expensive in Italy, with an average kilo price of USD 1.45, while France comes closest at USD 0.93/kg.
Furthermore, the temperatures in Spain have caused tomato growers in Almería to postpone greenhouse plantings for harvest from Oct-23. Around 80% of tomatoes for export in the autumn were planted in W35, affecting the cultivation that constitutes the bulk of Spanish tomato exports until the end of winter. Tomato remains the second most important crop in Almería's greenhouses, with vine and plum tomatoes predominating. Additionally, the presence of the Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) has heightened the need for stringent preventive measures. Larger volumes will have to wait until autumn programs, which will be delayed by a week to ten days due to later planting.
Tomato prices in India have experienced a significant drop, falling from around USD 3.61/kg to 0.17/kg (INR 300/kg to INR 14/kg) at the Mysuru APMC market. The price decline is due to decreased demand, particularly from northern states, and increased tomato imports from Nepal. Experts anticipate further reductions in tomato prices, with wholesale prices potentially dropping by USD 0.06/kg to 0.12/kg (INR 5/kg to 10/kg). This situation underscores the challenges tomato growers face in India due to fluctuations in demand and supply dynamics. Moreover, Nepal exported 670 tons of tomatoes to India within two weeks (from August 4 to 18), totaling 669.6 thousand kgs. The highest export volume was recorded at the Birgunj Customs Office, weighing 638 tons of tomatoes. This included large quantities following the resumption of India’s imports from Nepal on August 4.
The average wholesale price of red round tomatoes in Uzbekistan has increased by 60% for the second week in a row, attributed to a seasonal rise in tomato prices. The tomato price increased from USD 0.21/kg to 0.33/kg (UZS 2,500/kg to 4,000/kg) from August 18 to September 1, 2023. However, despite the sharp increase, the current wholesale prices for these products are significantly lower than last year's levels.
Lastly, the Ukrainian market for greenhouse tomato products has seen a significant price increase due to seasonal demand, typically from late Aug-23 to early Sep-23. In W35, tomatoes stood at USD 0.41 to 0.68/kg (UAH 15 to 25/kg), a 37% week-on-week (WoW) increase. This is also attributed to reduced supply and sampling in stationary greenhouse plants, as well as extreme heat affecting Ukrainian producers, causing significant loss of ground tomato harvest. Despite this, greenhouse tomato prices in Ukraine are currently 20% lower year-on-year (YoY).
