Already an oversupply of tomatoes?

The new year has only just started and tomato prices are already at a low level for the time of year. Expenses are not spared, cultivation is done under illumination. But do consumers even eat tomatoes in winter, or is there already an oversupply? “The prices do not lie. They have been just over a euro for weeks now already, and on 3 January they fluctuated around 1.10,” says Bjorn Franco from Rutoma. “Some weeks ago, tomatoes were still being sold for almost 3 euro.”

Oversupply?

The trader also indicates that other fruit and vegetables are sold for low prices, because it is a calm period in general. “But for tomatoes it is anything but normal. Hopefully for the cultivators, this will not last too long. In the past, there never used to be tomatoes in winter, and when they did become available, they were expensive. Now they are abnormally cheap. Does this mean there is an oversupply already?”

The Belgian fresh produce wholesaler Rutoma sells a wide range of fruit and vegetables on the wholesaler’s market in Evergem, near Ghent. Last year, they reopened the old location in Jabbeke. Bjorn looks back on 2016 with satisfaction. “It is definitely not easy, we still have to build the market there. Some days are better than others, but we cannot complain.”

For more information:
Bjorn Franco
Rutoma BVBA
Eernegemweg 154
8490 Jabbeke, Belgium
T: +32 - (050) 81 90 00
F: +32 - (050) 81 90 09