Tomato Prices Surge in Israel Amid Supply Shortages and Seasonal Shifts
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Tomato prices in Israel have sharply increased due to seasonal factors, abnormal heat, and reduced supply, leading to higher wholesale costs and varied retail prices, with further increases expected.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Tomato prices in Israel have risen significantly due to heat and end of season.
- Wholesale prices are around 10 shekels per kilogram.
- Retail prices vary widely, from 1 shekel on promotion to nearly 20 shekels.
- Producers report lower quality and quantity of tomatoes.
- Further price increases are expected for at least the next month.
Tomato prices have seen a significant increase across various Israeli supermarket chains in recent weeks, with the cost of a kilogram ranging from as low as 1 shekel during promotions to nearly 20 shekels. For instance, a kilogram was priced at 18.90 shekels at a "Shufersal Express" in northern Tel Aviv, while most branches offered it at 9.90 shekels. Other chains like "Super Yudala" and "Yarkanit" also saw prices reaching up to 19.90 and 16.90 shekels respectively. Farmers acknowledge a rise in wholesale prices to around 10 shekels per kilogram following a cheaper summer, attributing the current surge to abnormal heat and the end of the growing season. They anticipate this price increase will continue for at least another month.
Despite the rising wholesale costs, some supermarkets are offering promotional prices, such as "Victory" and "Victory Plus" selling tomatoes for 1 shekel with a minimum purchase of 100 shekels. Other chains like "Osher Ad" and "Tiv Taam" are selling at 5.90 shekels, "Shufersal Deal" at 8.90 shekels, and Carrefour Market at 9.90 shekels, with Carrefour City ranging from 12.90 to 14.90 shekels.
Producers are warning consumers of a sharp price hike in greengrocers, noting a decline in the quality of available tomatoes. They are currently sourcing the "leftovers from the fields," the end-of-season harvest during the transition from summer to winter. This year's yield is significantly lower than usual, compounded by an exceptionally hot month, even at night. This scarcity, combined with the weather conditions, is driving up prices.
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