Spanish tomato markets face both variety resurgence and heat-driven shortages

Agricultural sectors in Spain are facing contrasting developments regarding tomato production. In Collserola, the traditional ‘mandó’ tomato variety is seeing a successful resurgence. After years of cultivation efforts starting around 2008 using seeds preserved at the Can Mandó farmhouse, production is expected to reach approximately 20 tons this season. Despite being a delicate variety with lower yields and a shorter season, it has successfully returned to local markets and restaurant menus.

Conversely, tomato producers in Mallorca are facing a severe supply crisis. Extreme heatwaves with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius have caused tomato plants to abort flowers to survive, leading to an abrupt end to the harvest. This shortage is exacerbated by similar heat issues in Murcia and Almería, as well as water deficits in the Netherlands and Belgium. Consequently, tomato prices in Mallorca have surged, with wholesale prices for salad tomatoes rising from approximately one euro per kilo to 2.50 euros per kilo, at times making them more expensive than exotic fruits like mangoes.