The supply of tomatoes has slightly fallen and prices have significantly increased, surpassing 0.60 Euro/kg on average. Raf tomato prices average 0.95 Euro/kg, while smooth tomatoes reach almost 0.75 Euro/kg. Pear and vine tomatoes stand at an average of 0.60-0.65 Euro/kg. The lowest price is that of long-life tomatoes, with an average of 0.50-0.65 Euro/kg; it is the only tomato that is cheaper than last week. The supply of red tomatoes remained stable during the second half of April, while the price of green ones has dropped.
The quality problems caused by adverse weather conditions in late March are now being left behind. The high levels of moisture and lack of sunshine were affecting the development of the fruit and taking a toll on its commercial quality.
The plantations’ advanced stage of development has led to an increase in MM calibres for the pear and long-life varieties and M for vine tomatoes, although there is a shortage of G and GG calibres.
Morocco is the main competitor for the Spanish production in the French market at the moment. In Germany they share the market with produce from the Netherlands, Belgium and Morocco, while in Eastern Europe, Spanish tomatoes share the shelves with Dutch tomatoes.
Peppers.
They continue losing value, down to an average price of 0.50 Euro/kg. The California and Lamuyo red types stand at 0.55 to 0.70 Euro/kg. The Green California and Lamuyo reach prices of 0.30 to 0.35 Euro/kg. The harvest of Yellow California peppers has ended and sold volumes are not representative, with prices not exceeding 0.30 Euro/kg.
The red California and Lamuyo are currently not popular in the export market. The volumes available of the green types are used mainly to complete orders of other products and the limited supply of the red types is making them less attractive for export. The high prices set by Murcian producers at the start of the campaign and the shortage of the red and yellow types during the first weeks increased the demand for Almeria’s peppers; nevertheless, the price drop of Murcian peppers and their greater availability and quality have had a negative impact on Almeria’s produce.
Italian peppers are once again the most valued (0.70-0.75 Euro/kg). Their supply during the entire campaign has been lower than last year, which has led to prices remaining in favourable levels, despite the stability of demand.
Cucumbers.
The supply of cucumbers is falling considerably and prices have increased again, up to 0.50 Euro/kg. The Almeria cucumbers available in the market (at 0.35 Euro/kg) are largely from Spring plantations. There is a product shortage and exports are focusing on the German market.
The short type (0.60 Euro/kg) is absorbed by the domestic market, while French cucumbers (0.55 Euro/kg) are being shipped to France, Portugal and the domestic market.
Aubergines.
April has brought stability to aubergine prices, which stand again this week at 0.40 to 0.45 Euro/kg.
Spanish aubergines compete in Central and Eastern Europe with non-representative volumes from the Netherlands, Belgium and Turkey.
Courgettes.
Prices have doubled compared to last week, with a value close to 0.40 Euro/kg.
The progressive reduction of commercial volumes during April and the prospect of a sudden drop in temperatures for week 18, which could lead to shortages, have favoured this price increase. Wholesale prices for Almeria’s top quality produce have reached 0.70 to 0.80 Euro/kg.
Green beans.
Green bean prices have been marked by stability during the last week of April. Their average price oscillates between 1.10 and 1.35 Euro/kg; higher than the prices reached by other destinations, such as Morocco, South Africa or Egypt.
Morocco’s exports to the EU during the period at hand reached 6,135 tonnes; 21% less than in the previous week.
