Greece Fresh Tomato insights

Table tomato prices are in a short period of deregulation, with the first small quantities from plantings in Crete gradually entering the market, serving as an excuse to pull prices down to 1.00 to 1.30 euros per kilo, depending on the region and the target market. Of course, the quantities from Crete are estimated to be reduced compared to other years by up to 20%, while the kilograms from the Peloponnese are also clearly reduced. Producers reasonably claim that prices are currently at the same level as last year, but at a time when up to 35% less product is being traded domestically. In the run-up to Christmas, prices could increase by 10 to 20 cents on average, reaching 1.50 euros per kilo for the best qualities. However, concerns are prevalent about shelf prices, which have remained high despite the gradual correction of producer prices in November. In Ierapetra and Messara, the brown rot virus and water shortage continue to plague greenhouse and open field vegetable producers. In Ierapetra, the brown rot situation prompted many to switch to cucumber rather than tomato, hoping to avoid the unpleasant surprises of previous years. Similarly, in Messara, greenhouse crop producers did not proceed with planting the second crop as the lack of water hinders the initial planning. The deficit is partially covered by the product from Turkey, Benelux. Tomato exports from January 1 to November 29 are estimated at 32,500 tons compared to 33,000 tons, i.e. reduced by 2.3% compared to the corresponding period in 2023, according to official data from Incofruit Hellas. On the other hand, during the corresponding period, tomato imports to Greece amounted to 29,000 tons, an increase of 21% on an annual basis, of which 17,500 came from Turkey. Notably, since October 1, imports have increased dramatically and amounted to approximately 7,000 tons, of which 5,000 tons from Turkey, 700 tons from the Netherlands, 400 tons from Belgium, while smaller quantities per country, including from Morocco, continue to be recorded.

From the conference held by Antonio Casana (Solana) during the World Tomato Processing Congress (Budapest, 9-12 June 2024, “Where are we now?” session).

Does anyone from the leadership of the ministries, the prime minister himself or the local deputies care that our children eat poison - they ask.