Global tomato market faces challenges amid reduced Moroccan, European supply
MOROCCO – The global tomato market is experiencing significant disruptions due to a drop in Moroccan production and unfavorable weather conditions in Europe.
This decline has had a notable impact on supply, driving up prices and affecting various stakeholders across the value chain.
“After the large supply of Moroccan tomatoes in October, November, and December, the lower Moroccan production this month is having a significant impact on the global supply, especially in round, cherry, or plum tomatoes,” said Stephane van Marrewijk, from the sales department of Almeria-based company Vicasol.
This reduced supply coincides with rising demand following the Christmas period, leading to price increases.
“In December, there was a large tomato supply in European markets, but in January, there isn’t as much available,” Stephane added.
Compounding the issue, cold weather across Europe has slowed the harvest of vegetables, including tomatoes. This has affected Almeria, a key Spanish production hub.
“January has brought more stability in tomato production than last season,” Stephane noted, though prices remain elevated due to limited availability.
The situation is not limited to tomatoes. Peppers, another major crop in Almeria, have been severely impacted by pests like Parvispinus thrips, leading to quality issues and significant losses. “Problems with quality and, therefore, availability, are expected to continue in February and March,” Stephane warned.
Broader challenges in fresh produce shipping
Despite these supply issues, Moroccan fresh produce shipments to West Africa and the Sahel region remain steady, even amid other challenges.
On January 18, four Moroccan truck drivers, along with two others from Togo and Burkina Faso, were kidnapped near the Burkina Faso-Niger border.
According to Mustapha Chaoune, president of the African Union of Transport and Logistics Organizations, the drivers were freed after efforts by local organizations and Moroccan diplomats.
“Our members have assured us that they have been able to regain contact with the drivers, who are now free and on their way to the Moroccan embassy in Niamey. They are in good health and in safe hands. However, the trucks are still in the hands of the kidnappers,” he stated.
The incident underscored the risks faced by transport workers in volatile regions. “The truck drivers who work in this area are exposed to serious risks, and their role is vital for relations between our countries and for the food security of our populations,” Chaoune said.
Despite the disruption, Chaoune emphasized that shipping programs, including fresh produce shipments, will remain unaffected. Discussions are ongoing with armed groups for the return of the trucks.
Global tomato market faces challenges amid reduced Moroccan, European supply
MOROCCO – The global tomato market is experiencing significant disruptions due to a drop in Moroccan production and unfavorable weather conditions in Europe.
This decline has had a notable impact on supply, driving up prices and affecting various stakeholders across the value chain.
“After the large supply of Moroccan tomatoes in October, November, and December, the lower Moroccan production this month is having a significant impact on the global supply, especially in round, cherry, or plum tomatoes,” said Stephane van Marrewijk, from the sales department of Almeria-based company Vicasol.
This reduced supply coincides with rising demand following the Christmas period, leading to price increases.
“In December, there was a large tomato supply in European markets, but in January, there isn’t as much available,” Stephane added.
Compounding the issue, cold weather across Europe has slowed the harvest of vegetables, including tomatoes. This has affected Almeria, a key Spanish production hub.
“January has brought more stability in tomato production than last season,” Stephane noted, though prices remain elevated due to limited availability.
The situation is not limited to tomatoes. Peppers, another major crop in Almeria, have been severely impacted by pests like Parvispinus thrips, leading to quality issues and significant losses. “Problems with quality and, therefore, availability, are expected to continue in February and March,” Stephane warned.
Broader challenges in fresh produce shipping
Despite these supply issues, Moroccan fresh produce shipments to West Africa and the Sahel region remain steady, even amid other challenges.
On January 18, four Moroccan truck drivers, along with two others from Togo and Burkina Faso, were kidnapped near the Burkina Faso-Niger border.
According to Mustapha Chaoune, president of the African Union of Transport and Logistics Organizations, the drivers were freed after efforts by local organizations and Moroccan diplomats.
“Our members have assured us that they have been able to regain contact with the drivers, who are now free and on their way to the Moroccan embassy in Niamey. They are in good health and in safe hands. However, the trucks are still in the hands of the kidnappers,” he stated.
The incident underscored the risks faced by transport workers in volatile regions. “The truck drivers who work in this area are exposed to serious risks, and their role is vital for relations between our countries and for the food security of our populations,” Chaoune said.
Despite the disruption, Chaoune emphasized that shipping programs, including fresh produce shipments, will remain unaffected. Discussions are ongoing with armed groups for the return of the trucks.