Tomato prices will probably remain at a very high level for the coming months, but whether March and April will show record prices depends on further rainfall over Limpopo Province.
Tomato prices rose by 11% over the past week, now reaching R13.64 (0.78 euros) per kg according to AMT Market Trends, which notes that tomato volumes delivered to the markets are down by around 40% with a concomitant rise of 122% in the average price for tomatoes on the municipal markets in January when compared to the previous January.
An unusual amount of overcast days, prolonged humidity and high rainfall have increased pest pressure on tomatoes.
Tuta absoluta (tomato leafminer) has spread to all of the tomato production areas of South Africa, even into Namibia. Tuta is taking out a lot of class 1 tomatoes out of the market, a tomato trader says.
"Where tomatoes have hit R30 [1.7 euros] /kg, it could probably continue at R20 [1.15 euros] or R25 [1.44 euros] over the next few months. We are finding some consumer resistance to the current high tomato prices."
Demand is putting a lid on prices, he adds. Retailers are absorbing much of the available class 1 tomatoes.
"If there aren't more storms there'll be more tomatoes from Limpopo, but if rain continues, tomatoes could become really short."
The tomato market usually builds up towards Easter weekend and then slows down during winter.
