"With these temperatures, Dutch and Belgian tomatoes will arrive earlier"

The tomato campaign has been positive up until February, when prices have dropped by up to 32%, according to Coexpal. But it may be that the worst is still to come, since apparently spring temperatures have arrived earlier.

"From autumn until January, tomato prices have been very profitable," explains Rubén Valero, of the commercial department of the company Naturinda, based in Almeria.

"Until a few weeks ago, export prices had remained stable at high levels in markets such as Germany and Belgium, but now they are starting to go down," he affirms.

The export season for Almeria's tomato producers will still last for three months, although this will depend on the evolution of the weather in central Europe over the coming weeks.

"If the current high temperatures continue, it is likely that the Netherlands and Belgium will start producing earlier, taking over our share of the market, since their volumes will start to increase in about two weeks. Countries are always looking to advance their productions, as they enjoy greater logistical advantages and a better market positioning," continues Rubén.

Naturinda produces all kinds of tomatoes, including conventional, round, pear, Daniela and especially Rama tomatoes, for which demand is on the rise. Furthermore, speciality tomatoes, such as the Rebelión, cherry on the vine, Oxheart and Raf are also part of the company's range.