Tomato production in Mexico went down 18% during the lastcycle (spring-summer) due to the weather, resulting in a 37.15% price increase during June. This makes it the product with the fourth biggest increase,after green tomatoes, beans and cucumbers.
"Earlier this year we had a historic production volume which caused prices to plunge; now, due to the influence of the climate, we have a smaller production, and that has made prices go up a little," the producer pointed out.
Antonio Cázares mentioned that low production levels in the US have increased the demand for vegetables in that country, which has also made prices go up.
However, he affirmed that the situation has helpedregulate the price of vegetables, as earlier in the year there was a 22%oversupply, which brought low prices both to Mexico and the US.
"Before 4 July the price was set between 8 to 10 dollars per box; right now it has gone up to between 12 and 14, and we believe that it will still slightly rise, maybe a 10%, especially in the export market," said Cázares.
Source: Tribuna