At the start of January, tomato prices were at a low level in Belgium for the time of year. Supply was larger than demand. Since last week, tomato prices have skyrocketed, due to increasing demand. “Volumes from the more southern countries are much smaller because of the cold weather circumstances, and this is the reason there is such high demand for our products,” says Erik de Winter from Rotom Tomatoes.
High prices
According to De Winter, the situation is completely different compared to a few weeks ago. “Prices are very high, all types are sold at more than 2 euro, and some are even sold at 2.20 per kilogram. This is naturally a good price for cultivators. Last Monday, price levels fluctuated between 1.40 and 1.50.” He does not expect prices to go much higher. “I do not expect it, consumers could then possibly stop buying tomatoes. If trade prices are already over 2 euro, retail prices will be around 3 euro, or even higher.”
De Winter does expect the high price levels to last a bit longer. “Of course, it is dependent on the weather circumstances and demand, but it looks as if tomato prices will certainly not drop in coming weeks.”
