A stormy summer has limited tomato volume coming from the East Coast, which has caused prices to rise.
California production remains steady, but that region is also seeing a price spike in the past several weeks.
According to a crop report to buyers Sept. 23, Markon Cooperative BB #:123315 says the “East Coast has lower volume due to previous tropical storms that impacted plant health and reduced yields” and “Tennessee and North Carolina regions are expected to have a shorter season this year; additional grading is required.”
Florida is still several weeks away from commercial production.
Meanwhile, California round and Roma tomato production is steady.
“Round tomatoes from Northern California are of good quality; 6×6 and 6×7 sizes dominate the crop,” Markon said. “Roma quality is good; large to jumbo sizes are more prevalent. The Oceanside region will harvest ample supplies of vine-ripes over the next two to three weeks.”
On the import front, Mexico sees steady volume as it works through previous weather-related quality issues, and prices have been relatively steady for the last month.
“Vine-ripe and Roma volume in Jalisco and San Luis Potosi is on the lighter side due to prior rain storms,” Markon said. “The Baja region is experiencing rain this week, and some grape and Roma harvests are delayed. Overall volume is expected to increase by mid-October.
