The loose and vine tomatoes are not doing well in the market right now. In other segments, such as speciality tomatoes, there is some money being made; but for the more common varieties, it is not good. According to Maarten Verhaegen from Veiling BelOrta, the tomato downturn is occurring throughout Europe, "Fortunately we expect a price improvement next week; this is because less tomatoes are expected then."
Around 20 cents
Tomato prices are around 20 cents per kilo, "On July 16, 2015 the price for beefsteak tomatoes and Prince tomatoes were 20 cents. For Princess tomatoes 25 cents per kilo is being paid. It has improved, but it is still not very good. We had a recovery last summer; it appears to be more difficult this year."
Poland in the way
Maarten says that Polish tomatoes are increasingly becoming a hindrance, "At the export level, competition is increasing every year with the beefsteak and pink tomatoes. Poland has 1,828 acres of beefsteak tomatoes, 98 acres more than last year. In terms of quality, our tomatoes are better, but they are still getting in our way. We have an advantage in that logistically speaking we are very well-off, and we also work with segmentation. Growers are tied to a number of different varieties, and this is reflected in equal measure to ensure quality. This is something Poland cannot compete with." BelOrta is the largest supplier of tomatoes in Belgium, included illuminated cultivation. This is increasing annually.
