A glut of product brought on by excellent weather has made for low prices for tomatoes coming out of Ontario. Though it's typical for prices to drop during August, the market began its dip this year starting in July.
“There's been an abundance of tomatoes,” said David Pereira of Mor Gro Farms. “That's making it a bit of a struggle market-wise.” He explained that good weather has provided ideal conditions for growing and harvesting tomatoes, both from greenhouses and open fields. He noted that these conditions started affecting the market back in July.
“Personal gardens are doing pretty well, too,” said Pereira, “so people are not buying as many tomatoes when shopping. Everyone's using the same phrase, the 'Dog Days of August,” so the market is really performing as expected. Every year you just hope consumption will change and markets will be more firm, but it's like this every August.” Depending on size and condition of the the fruit, he noted that beefsteak tomato prices have been in the range of between $8.00 and $10.00 per box, while prices for tomatoes on the vine have hovered closer to $7.00 and $8.00 per box. Most greenhouse growers will have tomatoes through the end of November, and they will work to firm up prices until then.
“We're just hoping the market corrects itself,” said Pereira. “Ontario growers will continue to promote and get ads in the hopes that things will loosen up and prices will improve.”
For more information:
David Pereira
Mor Gro Farms
+1 519 326 1213