Tomato market in early slump

Currently the tomato market is not running smoothly. There is already plenty of production and prices are low for the time of year. “Exceptionally low even,” according to Guy de Meyer from export company Demargro. It indicates the situation was far better in April 2015. “Prices for tomatoes were higher then. Circumstances were also better last year. Demand was higher in any case because of the better weather.” 

“The ‘bare’ price of tomatoes today (6 April) was around 65 cent. The singles went for the same price and even lower to 55 cent. That is very cheap for tomatoes, because it is happening at a time when production is not even at its highest level. There are already too many tomatoes and it is only spring.” De Meyer is hoping for better weather. “Especially for growers it is currently not going well. Unfortunately I am not seeing much change for the moment. We in export notice that most countries still have sufficient production of their own. We are hoping for more sun soon and that the market will recover.”

The leek market is also disappointing according to De Meyer. “There is a large supply and today prices fluctuated around 40 cent. Compared to two weeks ago that is low.” He also trades in strawberries. “Strawberry export is only just starting. This week we sent the first slightly larger numbers to France. Volumes will increase in the coming weeks. Prices for strawberries are at a good level.”