European tomato prices rise as Spain’s season is delayed and supplies remain tight

European tomato prices are rising significantly due to a delayed start to Spain’s greenhouse production season and limited supplies from other countries. At auctions in Almería, one of Europe’s major greenhouse vegetable production hubs, tomato prices this autumn are well above their three-year averages. The main reason for the increase is a supply shortage during the transition between the end of the summer growing season elsewhere in Europe and the start of large-scale shipments from Spanish greenhouses.

According to Agropizarra, plum tomatoes currently average €2.06/kg, while Daniela tomatoes are selling at an average of €1.73/kg, with peak prices reaching €2.20/kg. Vine tomatoes average €2.11/kg, while prices for first-grade produce are approaching €2.50/kg in some cases. Limited supplies amid steady demand from European buyers are supporting elevated prices at Spanish wholesale auctions.

The production delay is linked to changes in greenhouse transplanting schedules in Spain. Following severe pest pressure last spring, including insects that transmit plant viruses, many growers decided to postpone transplanting to avoid the hottest months. Temperature fluctuations in late summer further slowed crop development, delaying the time needed for tomatoes to reach the required maturity. As a result, greenhouse producers in Andalusia have yet to reach peak production levels.

According to Spanish cooperative Vicasol, which produces and markets around 90 thsd tons of tomatoes annually, significant volumes usually begin reaching European markets in late October and early November. However, in the 2026/27 season, supplies are not expected to return to normal levels until the second week of November or around mid-month. Industry representatives suggest that delayed transplanting schedules, driven by increasing pest pressure, could become a long-term trend rather than a one-off seasonal adjustment.

Meanwhile, Morocco, one of Spain’s main competitors in the European tomato market, is also running approximately 10–15 days behind its usual production schedule. Tomato acreage in the country has declined again this year. Spanish growers are concerned that peak shipments from both countries could overlap, intensifying competition and potentially putting downward pressure on prices once the current supply shortage eases.

Tags: tomato, EU