Due to the delay in the planting of vegetables in Almeria because of the high temperatures this summer, the greenhouse vegetable volumes remain limited and prices are still very high. For products such as tomatoes, there continues to be shortages in various markets in Europe.
"There is a very limited vegetable production available, despite the fact that we are well into November. The high prices of almost all products in the auctions are causing the demand to contract a little," said Virginia Artero, commercial director of Nationwide España.
"Many consumers are opting for frozen and canned products because of the prices of fresh vegetables. Some supermarket chains have even lowered their size requirements for some products, like cucumbers, in order to make the price more affordable for their customers," she said.
With tomatoes, the shortage is particularly noticeable, and starting prices in Spain have reached 2.40 Euro, and between 15 and 18 Euro per 5 kg box at destination. There are hardly any tomatoes in the European markets at a time when Almeria can usually already supply consistent volumes, normally from mid-October.
FreshPlaza found several supermarket chains in the UK with empty tomato shelves, although the same situation has also been observed in retailers in other European countries.
Supermarket with empty shelves in Exeter, England
The cause of this is the gap left by the end of the Dutch productions and the delay of Almeria, Granada and Morocco, due to excessively high temperatures.
"Due to heat waves in summer and early autumn, most producers in Almeria and on the coast of Granada have preferred to wait and plant later, mainly because of the higher risk of pests and viruses spreading," said Virginia Artero. "Because of this delay, there could surely be a clash with the beginning of the Dutch campaign in spring, but growers have preferred to take this risk."
"Meanwhile, Morocco has been even more affected by the sweltering heat, with temperatures reaching 55 degrees. Also, we cannot forget that the ToBRFV rugose virus has already caused great damages to the Moroccan production this past year," she said.
According to the commercial director of Nationwide España, the harvest is starting now in Nijar, Almeria, although with very limited quantities, while on the coast of Granada the campaign is expected to start in just under two weeks. "I think it will take at least 10 to 15 days for the tomato shortage situation in Europe to start improving."
"The area planted with tomatoes in Almeria is similar to last year's, although diversification into new tomato and cherry tomato specialties is becoming a trend," says Virginia Artero.
For more information:
Nationwide España S.L.
POL. IND. La Redonda, Calle IV, 40
04710 Santa María Del Águila, El Ejido
Almería, Spain
Tel. +34 950 483026
www.nationwide-espana.com