Tomato Prices Skyrocket Amid Supply Shortages and Holiday Sales

Tomato prices in Israel are experiencing significant fluctuations, with a wide range of costs reported across different supermarket chains and branches. While some stores offer kilograms of tomatoes for as little as one shekel as part of holiday promotions, others are charging up to 19.90 shekels per kilogram. A ynet price check revealed prices as high as 18.90 shekels per kilogram at a Shufersal Express branch in north Tel Aviv, with other branches selling at 17.90 or 9.90 shekels. These higher prices are often set by franchisees rather than the central chain. Other stores like Super Yuda and various greengrocers are selling tomatoes between 16.90 and 19.90 shekels per kilogram.

Growers acknowledge the high prices for consumers, attributing the recent surge to a transition period between summer and winter crops, exacerbated by unseasonably high temperatures that have impacted yields. While expanded cultivation areas helped lower prices during the summer, the current situation sees wholesale prices approaching 10 shekels per kilogram. This shortage is not limited to tomatoes, with eggplants, potatoes, and onions also experiencing reduced availability.

Despite the rising costs, holiday sales continue to offer significantly lower prices. Some Victory branches are selling tomatoes for one shekel per kilogram with a minimum purchase of 100 shekels, a promotion valid until October 3rd. Without this offer, the price is 6.90 shekels. Rami Levy offers tomatoes at 5.90 shekels normally, with holiday specials at 2.90 or 3.90 shekels. Shufersal Deal and Univer sell them for 2.90 shekels with a minimum purchase until September 28th. Other chains like Mchsanei Hashuk, Osher Ad, and Tiv Ta'am have prices ranging from 3.90 to 5.90 shekels, while Carrefour Market and Carrefour City range from 9.90 to 14.90 shekels.

Experts warn that the current low prices maintained by some chains due to holiday competition may not last, and consumers could soon face a sharp increase. One grower cautioned that currently, quality tomatoes are scarce. The shortage is expected to ease in about a month with the arrival of Arava region crops. Until then, holiday promotions and inter-chain competition will likely continue to create significant price disparities for consumers.