Tomato/CEPEA: Harvest Slowdown Drives Price Increases
In the first week of March, tomato prices in Brazil saw significant increases across all wholesale markets monitored by CEPEA. Average prices in São Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro, and Campinas rose between 26.2% and 85%. This surge is attributed to reduced supply following the peak harvest period in Caçador (SC).
According to data monitored by the University of São Paulo's research center (CEPEA), in the first week of March (March 2 to 6), 3A long-life tomato prices experienced significant increases across all monitored wholesale markets. In São Paulo, the average price reached R$110 per box, a substantial 55.2% jump compared to the last week of February. In Belo Horizonte (MG), the average price was R$106.84 per box, an advance of 45.7%. In Rio de Janeiro (RJ), the product was traded at R$128.75 per box, an increase of 26.2%.
Notably, the wholesale market in Campinas (SP) saw an impressive 85% surge, with the average price last week reaching R$140.71 per box. This price appreciation reflects a reduction in supply at distribution centers, which, in turn, is influenced by the slowdown of the harvest season in Caçador (SC) after its peak collection period. The decrease in supply directly contributed to the widespread increase in tomato market prices.