Tomato prices continue to fall and currently stand at the lowest level so far in the campaign. The monitoring report published by the Observatory of Prices and Markets of the Government of Andalusia reported that, in week 19 (9 to 15 May), the average price stood at 0.22 Euro/kg, while last season at this time it stood at 0.38 Euro/kg.
The on the vine and long life varieties are recording minimums of 0.19 and 0.18 Euro/kg, respectively. Given this context, some producer organizations are making use of the crisis management measures in place for the withdrawal of produce from the market; however, industry sources do not expect a significant price recovery. The large production in the Netherlands, Belgium and Poland will ensure the supply of quality tomatoes at low prices, seriously affecting the sales of Andalusian tomatoes.
Smooth, pear and ribbed tomatoes are not doing much better and have also seen their prices fall this week. These tomato varieties are being distributed primarily in the domestic market, where the entry into production of other regions is toughening up the competition and keeping prices down.
The Moroccan and Turkish campaigns are in the final stages of their production cycle. The quality of their tomatoes is questionable and not suitable for transport over long distances. The total contingent of tomato exports from Morocco in week 19 reached 6,971 tonnes. The total export quota until 15 May totalled 279,711 tonnes; 14% more than in the previous season and 98% of the total authorised in the EU-Morocco Trade Association agreement.
Source: valenciafruitas.com
