The supply of all tomatoes is abundant, as described by an industry source. “We have a good supply everywhere, with plenty of product available,” said the source. This supply of tomatoes includes vine-ripe, Heirloom, cherry, round, mature and grape.
The tomatoes come from several states and two countries. Within the U.S., supplies come from California, Arkansas, north Florida, South Carolina and Virginia. The tomato picking season is winding down in Florida and South Carolina. In Virginia, picking will begin the week of July Fourth. Produce companies also buy several varieties of tomatoes from Mexican farms, increasing their ability to order and sell even more.
Prices are going up and down, according to the industry source. “Because supply is good, the prices we pay have been dropping.” The source said that, because it’s summer, consumption is lighter. Once individuals have picked the tomatoes they grew in their home gardens, they will begin buying them in stores again. Summer is the traditional season for vacations, meaning the whole country slows down and usage, accordingly, drops.