Italy tomato prices hit record highs due to heatwave

Extreme heatwaves in Italy have caused a significant decline in tomato yields and quality, leading to record-high wholesale prices. Market participants report that current conditions, characterized by simultaneous supply shortages and diminished product quality, have not been seen in decades.

Wholesale prices for tomatoes are currently fluctuating between 4.5 and 6 euros per kilogram. Notably, even lower-quality produce is commanding these high prices due to the scarcity of supply. Tazio Zavaglia, owner of the Zavaglia Sergio company at the Rimini Agri-Food Center, noted that the prolonged heat prevented proper flower setting, which severely impacted harvests.

Beyond tomatoes, other vegetable prices are also elevated; green beans are trading around 4.5 euros per kilogram, while head lettuce is priced between 1.80 and 2 euros per kilogram.