With the arrival in Europe of a polar cold wave, which in the United Kingdom has caused temperatures to drop by more than 10 degrees Celsius, Canary tomato exporters hope to see prices increase this week, since they have so far stayed low and been subject to sharp oscillations.
So far, just under half of the harvest has been completed, with the export of 22,661 tons (about 2,000 tons more than in the previous season, and far ahead of the 350 tons of the 1994/1995 campaign). The climatic conditions registered in the Archipelago, with long-lasting summer conditions, have facilitated the development of the crops, which has resulted in an excellent quality production. Prices, however, have not reached the expected levels.
Gustavo Rodríguez, head of communication of the Association of Harvesters and Exporters, assessed the favorable factors that may help give a boost to Canary sales, although he also pointed to the need to be ready for possible problems caused by logistics issues.
"The campaign is proving less favorable for cucumber shipments, mostly due to the excess supply in the markets and the repercussions of the yellow vest protests for the shipments going to the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Pepper exports are currently at an insignificant level and zucchini shipments are only just starting."
Another of the many challenges for the sector is the concerns generated by the development of the Brexit situation.
