In Nigeria, despite its advantages in vegetable production, there is a notable shortfall in tomato output due to issues such as pest invasions, post-harvest losses, and seasonality. This has led to a significant increase in tomato prices, with a more than 100 percent rise year to date, affecting Nigerian cooking practices. The cost of tomatoes has risen sharply, with a N1,000 purchase now insufficient for a week's meals, pushing households to adjust their budgets and culinary habits.
The scarcity of tomatoes, alongside Nigeria's inflationary pressures—reported by the National Bureau of Statistics as the highest in five years—has made this staple ingredient less accessible to many. In response, Nigerians are exploring alternatives, including tomato paste, which offers a cost-effective option for replicating the taste of fresh tomatoes.
Gino tomato paste, along with variants like Gino Pepper & Onion and Gino Party Jollof, provide flavourful alternatives. Additionally, some are opting for red bell peppers to achieve a similar taste and colour in dishes.
[ N 100 = €0.07 ]
Source: businessday.ng