Tomato prices in Europe hit a five-year high
Usually in November there is a seasonal decline in the price of tomatoes. A slight drop in prices has occurred this year as well. However, in general, in most European countries, the cost of tomatoes is above average, with the exception of Spain, according to hortidaily.com.
In general, the price of tomatoes in Europe averaged 1.37 euros per kilogram. This is less than in October and also less than in November last year, when the average price was 1.43 euros. However, the cost is higher than the average over the past five years. The reasons for the rise in prices are the tomato brown wrinkle virus (ToBRFV), Covid-19, and now the energy crisis and constantly rising prices for almost everything.
Rise in energy prices
Experts predict another rise in prices in December. Last year, there was no such price jump, although the high cost of energy was not such a problem for producers then as it is now. The global pandemic was the main factor that could affect demand.
But this year and the next will turn out very differently for manufacturers. Greenhouses are either empty, or producers save on gas supplies, reducing the volume of products grown. The main negative trend is the rise in prices not only for gas and fuel, but also for packaging.
Netherlands: November price decline did not offset their annual growth
High energy costs will affect tomato production in the Netherlands and Belgium. So far, the average price of a Dutch tomato per kilogram is 1.2 euros, which is slightly less than in October, but still a record price compared to the last five years.
Spain: competition with Morocco reduces planted areas
Spain experienced the largest "November price drop", down to € 0.99 on average. This figure is slightly above the five-year low and the level of November last year. The latter is notable for the fact that the cultivated area in Spain is declining every year. According to the Spaniards, the reason for this is competition from Moroccan producers.
Italy: small price increase, big problems
Italy is the only EU country that has not experienced the usual November price downturn. Experts point out this price anomaly. However, the country faced difficult weather conditions this summer: temperatures were high and the ToBRFV virus was haunting producers.