A combination of falling tomato imports from Mexico and warm weather in Florida have led to stronger prices. Although lower supplies have improved the market for suppliers, prices are still highly favorable to buyers.
Prices for tomatoes were depressed during the winter, due largely to a large influx of volume from Mexico. But according to Rick Stauffer of Seminole Produce Distributing, dwindling imports this spring have improved prices.
"After Easter, it seems like we caught up a little," he says, "and that has to do with Mexico starting to wind down." Additionally, he says warm weather in Florida has decreased yields, and that has also contributed to an improving market for suppliers.
But even with an improving outlook, prices are still weak.
"Prices improved from about three dollars per carton to about six dollars per carton," notes Stauffer, "but growers typically need about eight or ten dollars to break even."
The upside is clearly for consumers who can get quality product for low prices.
"There are good sizes and very good quality," says Stauffer, "so the bright side is for consumers."