Tomato prices increase drastically in Poland

“The price situation in the Polish greenhouse tomato market has dramatically changed after a big pri…

“The price situation in the Polish greenhouse tomato market has dramatically changed after a big price drop last week. Tomatoes have become almost 20% more expensive over the last weekend," shared Agnieszka Arcimowicz from Targban.

Depending on the quality, current prices range between 0.50-0.60 euro/kg, in comparison to lower than 0.45 euro/kg at the end of the last week.

Agnieszka said that the initial price drop was caused by hot weather which caused open field tomatoes to ripen faster than expected, flooding the market. Now that the situation with open field tomatoes has subsided, prices for the standard greenhouse tomatoes have risen due to low supplies.

There is also a shortage of tomato on the vine after growers had been selling those tomatoes loose to compensate for the lack of supply for the regular tomatoes.

Big opportunity for Polish bell peppers
The high price of bell peppers in Holland has meant more demand for the Polish equivalent. Dutch red peppers are currently being sold for €7.50/kg vs €3.55/kg in Poland and for €5.75/kg vs. €2.95/kg for green peppers.

"Our export volumes have increased, especially for red and yellow bell peppers. Although the capsicums are less attractive in terms of shape, the price difference is very appealing to the wholesalers."

Targban specialises in high volume premium products and say that the current situation has been 'favourable' for the company.

"Our export sales figures, have grown from last year, mainly due to direct sales to new destinations such as Denmark, Sweden and Croatia. Scandinavian markets are very demanding in terms of quality, but are willing to pay extra for perfect quality. On the other side of that, in countries like Croatia and southern Europe, customers are more willing to give up a little quality, as long as they are receiving good value," concludes Agnieszka.