"There are hardly any tomatoes on the European market," cried a Spanish trader recently. The season started later in Spain, and although more cultivation under light has been re-established in north-western Europe, that cannot make up for all the shortages. In Britain, no longer in the EU, empty shelves could be seen.
A new tomato dashboard update with market figures from the European Commission shows that EU prices rose in October, again to record highs.
In the Netherlands and Spain, prices rose in October. In France and Italy, the other two countries included in the dashboard, much less or not at all.
Italy stands out with red figures
Still, almost everywhere the figures turn green. Among round tomatoes, only in Italy the price does not increase compared to September. At €1.30 per kilo, the price is 7% lower than in September.
Among vine tomatoes, Italy did see a price increase compared to September. Compared to October last year, the average price of over 1.40 euro per kilo is 13% lower.
With cherry and specialty tomatoes, things are not too bad in Italy either. An average of 2.30 is 4% lower than the five-year average and also 19% lower than in October 2022.
Record price in October
In Spain and the Netherlands, it is again cherry and specialty tomatoes that are sharply higher in price than the five-year average. The Netherlands is up 123% on that average with an average kilogram price of just under 4 euros and Spain is 105% higher at over 3.67 euros.
Across the board, October 2023 delivers another record price: 2.09 euros on average per kilo is 40 eurocents higher than the 2022 record.
Slow start for Morocco
A first look at imports from Morocco and Turkey shows that Turkey has started in line with the 2022 figures, while Morocco lags behind. Climate and virus problems played tricks on growers here, resulting in a later start to the season.
More figures and charts can be viewed at the European Commission here.