Most of the tomatoes currently available in Beijing Xinfadi Fruit and Vegetable Wholesale Market come from Chifeng in Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, and Gansu. Additional supplies come from Hebei and production areas near Beijing. The price of Chinese tomatoes encountered difficulties when tomatoes from Inner Mongolia, the largest tomato production area in China, entered the market. The purchase price was much lower than last year. In the middle of July, the purchase price of tomatoes dropped to 0.4-0.5 yuan [0.06-0.08 USD] per 0.5 kg. That is extremely low compared to last year's price of 1.2 yuan [0.18 USD] per 0.5 kg.
"More recently the price bounced back and market conditions improved. The retail price of top-quality tomatoes had already increased to around 2.2-2.4 yuan [0.34-0.37 USD] per 0.5 kg. Rainy weather previously reduced the rate of tomatoes on the vine, which greatly limited the supply volume. The price rise is expected to continue for another two weeks." This is according to Mr. Li Haisheng of Beijing Green Peasant Specialized Cooperation for Production and Marketing of Fruit and Vegetables.
Mr. Li Haisheng explained: "Although the price is rising, the effect on the overall market conditions remains limited because we are already in the second half of the season. Most tomatoes had already been sold earlier in the season at lower prices. In addition, when the weather conditions improve, the tomatoes grow faster, which expands the supply volume, and that brings the price down again. At the same time, repeated outbreaks of COVID-19 bring a lot of uncertainty to the tomato market."
There are many reasons why the price of tomatoes was relatively low earlier in the season. Higher prices in previous years attracted many farmers to the tomato industry. They blindly follow the trends and greatly expand the overall production volume. In addition, heavy rainfall is not good for the product quality of tomatoes. They grow soft or the skin splits, and the color is less than ideal too. All of these factors reduce the price.
For more information:
Mr. Li Haisheng
Beijing Green Peasant Specialized Cooperation for Production and Marketing of Fruit and Vegetables
Tel.: +86 10 6045 9195 / 7870
E-mail: [email protected]
