Georgia continues to actively import Turkish tomatoes to cover its supply deficit. The imports of fresh tomatoes in November amounted to 1,360 tons. This is three times more than the average import volume and the highest figure in November in the last seven years. Since Turkish tomatoes are cheap, prices of local goods have gone down.
Red tomatoes from Georgian greenhouses are sold 82% more expensive than red tomatoes imported from Turkey. However, a key factor in such a huge difference is that red tomatoes from Georgian greenhouses are positioned as high-quality and are aimed at wealthier buyers. Moreover, almost all greenhouses in Georgia grow pink tomatoes. They are available at a price 17% higher than Turkish ones.
The average price of red tomatoes in the wholesale markets of Georgia amounted to $0.70 per kilogram last week. Due to competition from imports, the average price dropped for 3 weeks in a row. However, the price was 56% higher last week than the same period in 2020, but 8% lower compared to the same week in 2019. If this trend continues, 2021 prices will lag behind 2020 prices in a week or two.
