October 14 2010, 11:47 Fruit-Inform

Turkish tomato season begins with very high prices

On the eve of season of tomato supplies from Turkey, Ukrainian importers are concerned of prospects of demand for this produce at domestic market.

According to data of Fruit-Inform, first large batches of Turkish tomatoes are to arrive at Ukrainian market already in the next week, but, according to all prerequisites, prices for them will be significantly higher than in the last year. This fact is primarily connected with decreased forecasts for glass-grown tomato harvest in Turkey.

Due to cold weather, planting of seedlings in Turkish glass-houses was delayed for 15 days, and harvesting will also start 3 weeks later than usually. So, currently, tomatoes are very expensive in Turkey. According to Turkish experts, decrease of prices will begin only in the early November, but it will not be sharp, as, according to preliminary estimations, glass-grown tomato productivity will also decrease comparatively with the previous year.

Ukrainian importers inform of Turkish exporters currently offering tomatoes at $1.40-1.60/kg. This means that such produce will cost about $2.30-2.40/kg in Ukraine if accounting costs for transporting and customs clearance.

As to traders themselves, they can not expect good demand with such prices, and wholesale companies will most likely purchase imported produce in little batches and only for availability of assortment.

Meanwhile, problems with imported tomato supplies play into Ukrainian producers' hand. Prices for Ukrainian glass-grown tomatoes currently jumped to UAH 12-15/kg (EUR 1.09-1.36/kg).

Information about prospects of fruit and vegetable imports to Ukraine in this season will be available in course of work of the Seventh International Conference ”Vegetables and Fruit of Ukraine – 2010” that is to take place at “Ekspotsentr Ukrainy”, Kiev, on December 1-2, 2010. For participation, please, fill in the application.