Tomato prices surge 22.5% in Argentina as cold weather and imports impact supply

Argentines faced a significant jump in tomato prices in June, with the cost soaring 22.5% and far exceeding the general inflation rate of 1.9%. This sharp increase, reported by Indec, placed tomatoes at the top of rising food prices for the month.

The primary cause for the price hike was a combination of unfavorable weather conditions that stunted the ripening of locally grown tomatoes and a subsequent surge in imports from Chile. According to the Mercado Central, the issue wasn't a lack of tomatoes, but a scarcity of fruit reaching the desired market ripeness. "There are no tomatoes with color because it was very cold," explained market sources. "To ripen quickly, you need temperatures above 22 or 23 degrees. All the tomatoes being sold have little color."

This domestic shortage directly fueled a dramatic increase in imports. Tomato arrivals from Chile leaped from 104.96 tons in January to 3,248.84 tons in June. The imported Chilean tomatoes, noted for their color, commanded a premium price, with a 22 kg crate costing around $55,000 pesos. In contrast to the vegetable's plight, several fruits saw significant price decreases due to increased seasonal supply, and meat prices showed moderation after earlier sharp rises.