April came to an end with a progressive increase in the production of spring crops and the single cycle tomato plantations facing their final weeks. Within 10 to 15 days, an increase in the sales volume of spring tomatoes is expected. The atypical weather conditions recorded this spring, with high daytime temperatures and considerable temperature drops during the night, have affected the quality of the first batches in the plantations where the harvest started this month; however, large calibre spring tomatoes are being well-received in the market. Loose GG calibre tomatoes are reaching prices at origin of 0.60-0.70 €/kg, GGG smooth tomatoes are close to 0.60 €/kg, the G costs 0.44 €/kg and the G on the vine stands between 0.57 and 0.65 €/kg.
The low prices paid for calibres M and MM of virtually all tomato varieties during the month of April and the advanced state of the autumn plantings are taking a toll on the start of the season for part of these crops.
At this time, ribbed tomatoes are reaching the best prices; however, the high temperatures recorded this month will not benefit the quality of the commercial varieties most commonly grown during the winter, thus affecting their value.
Moreover, the total contingent of Moroccan tomato exports in week 17 amounted to 8,794 tonnes, 5% lower than that of the previous week.
Total exports up until 30 April reached 249,817 tonnes, 90% of the volume authorised in the EU-Morocco Association Agreement and 5% more than in the previous season.
Source: Prices and Markets Observatory of Andalusia
