Retail prices for tomatoes have reached a 50-year high as growers battle rising production costs.
According to Promar International, who analysed figures for the NFU, the cost of producing a tomato has increased by 38.5 per cent since 2022 – the biggest increase of nine most-consumed vegetables and fruits in the UK.
The latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) suggests that average tomato prices were £3.26 per kg last year. However, as input costs, particularly energy costs, continue to rise, British tomato growers are expected to cut production further this year.
According to the i newspaper, ‘Customers are paying more than ever for tomatoes in supermarkets. Tesco’s own brand, Nightingale Farms cherry tomatoes cost £0.69 for 250g in December, the highest amount ever and up 5.3 per cent since last December. Similarly, 330g of cherry tomatoes at Sainsbury’s have increased from £0.95 to £1, also up 5.3 per cent.’ It added that independent retailers are unable to increase their sales prices, and so are selling tomatoes at a loss.
Wholesaler David Catt & Sons, which supplies tomatoes to around 40 shops south of London, said the tomato market has become increasingly difficult to navigate over the past couple of years, partly due to climate change. “The market has become much more volatile. Timing purchases has become much more important as extreme weather or other uncertainties elsewhere in the world suddenly causes disruptions,” David said.
As UK growers reduce production, there are concerns that increased energy costs in the Netherlands and water shortages in Spain and Morocco could also reduce the potential for imports.