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In Mar-25, the average tomato price in the European Union (EU) reached USD 2.28 per kilogram (kg). Spain experienced particularly sharp year-on-year (YoY) increases, with cherry and specialty tomato prices rising by 46%, loose tomatoes by 40%, and vine tomatoes by 22%. Dutch prices also increased, albeit more modest, with cherry and specialty tomatoes up 7%. The average price for vine tomatoes in the Netherlands stood at USD 1.87/kg, 4% higher than the previous year but 4% below the five-year average. Loose tomato prices in the Netherlands were also 7% below the five-year average, highlighting some regional differences in market dynamics across the EU.
In W14, the Indian tomato market plunged into crisis as wholesale prices fell, reportedly as low as USD 3.49 per quintal in some markets, forcing farmers to discard produce or feed it to cattle due to oversupply and weak demand. Retail prices varied widely, ranging from USD 0.22/kg to USD 1.34/kg depending on the location, but many farmers still struggled to recover even their basic production costs. The situation has led to significant financial losses, especially for smallholders, prompting urgent calls for government intervention through subsidies or price support mechanisms. While experts anticipate a slight price recovery during the summer months (Mar-25 to Apr-25), with potential rates reaching USD 9.88 to 12.20 per quintal, the current downturn highlights the need for better market management and support systems for perishable crops like tomatoes.
In Indore, tomato prices have plummeted due to a surge in supplies from the Nimar region, where higher production has resulted from expanded cultivation driven by earlier hopes of better returns. In the Choithram market, tomatoes are now priced at just USD 1.16 to 2.09/25 kg, marking a nearly 20% YoY drop. Despite summer typically pushing vegetable prices higher due to limited availability, the oversupply of tomatoes has upset this trend, leaving farmers facing financial losses. Traders warn that prices may fall further as additional shipments from Kota and Maharashtra are expected in the coming weeks.
Sicily maintains its leadership in organic agriculture with 400,000 hectares (ha) dedicated to organic farming, and organic tomato production stands as one of the fastest-growing segments. Coop Alba Bio increased organic tomato output from 10 thousand metric tons (mt) in 2023 to 11,500 mt in 2024, marking a 15% YoY rise, driven by strong demand for healthy food and supportive EU policies. However, the sector struggles with labor shortages, particularly during the February to June peak harvest period, when 80% of greenhouse output is collected. Seasonal agricultural work has become less attractive due to low wages and working conditions compared to other industries, and the sector’s reliance on immigrant labor faces delays due to bureaucratic hurdles. Streamlining the hiring process for non-EU seasonal workers could ensure year-round production continuity. Meanwhile, producer prices for organic tomatoes and other vegetables remain in line with seasonal averages.
Mexico's tomato prices surged by 67.23% week-on-week (WoW), 73.04% month-on-month (MoM), and 30.07% YoY, reaching USD 1.99/kg, the lowest in the past year. The price increase is mainly due to weather disruptions in key growing regions like Sinaloa and Baja California, where unseasonably low temperatures and heavy rainfall hindered harvesting and slowed crop development. Moreover, strong export demand from the United States (US), which faced production challenges due to adverse weather, further tightened supply, driving prices higher.
In W14, Morocco's tomato prices decreased by 31.88% WoW, 41.25% MoM, and 12.96% YoY to USD 0.47/kg. This decline was primarily due to a significant increase in harvest volumes and favorable weather conditions in key tomato-growing regions such as Souss-Massa and Agadir. These regions benefitted from optimal growing conditions, leading to higher yields and an abundant supply in the market. Moreover, the price drop was aggravated by a temporary slowdown in demand from European markets, particularly France and Spain, as these markets experienced weaker demand during the off-peak season. However, despite the initial demand dip, logistical improvements, such as more efficient transportation and distribution systems, facilitated a smoother flow of tomatoes to key export destinations. This helped ease some of the supply pressure, although prices remained lower compared to previous weeks due to the still high availability in the domestic market.
In W14, Spanish tomato prices remained unchanged WoW but decreased 10.99% MoM and 28.41% YoY to USD 0.81/kg. The MoM decrease is primarily due to the seasonal decline in demand following the peak winter months when tomato consumption is typically higher. Moreover, increased harvest volumes from key regions like Almería and Murcia contributed to a market surplus, putting downward pressure on prices. The YoY decline reflects the overall market trend of lower prices compared to last year when supply shortages and higher demand from European markets drove up prices.
In W14, France’s tomato prices decreased by 35.93% WoW, 25.59% MoM, and 28.41% YoY to USD 1.89/kg. This sharp decline was driven primarily by a seasonal surge in domestic production as spring harvests began, significantly increasing supply in local markets. Additionally, favorable weather conditions in southern regions like Provence and Occitanie accelerated crop maturity, contributing to higher volumes. Imports from Morocco and Spain also increased during this period, intensifying market competition and putting further downward pressure on prices. Furthermore, weak consumer demand following the Easter holidays and rising inflation-related price sensitivity among French households contributed to slower market absorption, reinforcing the decline.
Farmer cooperatives and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) can actively build structured partnerships with food processing companies, institutional buyers (such as school canteens, army procurement, and hospitals), and emerging e-commerce grocery platforms to secure better prices and timely offtake during peak harvest periods. These aggregation models empower farmers to negotiate more effectively and reduce their reliance on local supermarkets. The tomato crisis in India, mainly in regions like Nimar and Indore has revealed the vulnerability of farmers who often resort to discarding their produce or feeding it to cattle when faced with oversupply and plummeting prices. Farmers can buffer against price crashes and tap into alternative and value-added demand.
Introduce digital platforms and bilateral agreements to expedite the recruitment of non-EU seasonal workers for Sicily’s organic farming sector. This includes creating a simplified application system with multilingual support, minimizing bureaucratic delays, and offering legal, safe working conditions. Moreover, offering local employment incentives such as subsidized transport, short-term housing, or productivity bonuses to attract domestic workers. Sicily is leading the EU in organic farming with 400 thousand ha under organic cultivation, and organic tomato production has grown rapidly. However, labor shortages during the Feb-25 to Jun-25 harvest peak threaten this momentum. Due to unattractive wages, poor working conditions, and immigration red tape, 80% of the greenhouse harvest is at risk. Ensuring a consistent and well-managed seasonal workforce is essential for maintaining production schedules and meeting both domestic and export demand for organic produce.
Establish forward contracts with European retailers and wholesalers before the harvest season, and invest in logistics hubs near key production zones like Souss-Massa and Agadir. These hubs should offer cold storage, sorting, and direct transport services to key EU destinations. Coordination can be led by export associations in collaboration with government trade offices and European importers. In W14, Moroccan tomato prices dropped MoM due to abundant harvests and weakened demand in France and Spain. Despite favorable weather boosting yields, lack of timely market absorption led to oversupply and price depression. Strengthening export alliances especially, through forward contracts and logistics optimization would allow Moroccan exporters to better align supply with real-time demand and reduce bottlenecks at ports or distribution centers.
Sources: Tridge, Horti Daily, The Bridge Chronicle, The New Indian Express
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