Heat may lift Japanese tomato prices in late August

Japanese tomato prices are expected to move above their usual seasonal level during the second half of August, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

For the first half of the month, tomato arrivals and prices at Tokyo’s central wholesale markets are forecast to remain close to the five-year average. Crops had been recovering from slow development caused by rainy and cool weather in June.

The outlook changes later in August. MAFF said high temperatures in July may reduce fruit setting in the main producing regions. Lower arrivals are therefore expected during the second half of the month, while prices are forecast to rise above normal.

Cucumber supplies may also remain slightly below average throughout August. Rain and low temperatures delayed growth in June, while the sudden heat in July raised concerns about further crop problems. Prices are expected to remain slightly elevated.

Spinach prices are also forecast above average because of reduced planted area and lower yields during hot weather. Carrots should be cheaper than usual in the first half of August as supplies from Hokkaido increase, before returning to normal later in the month.

source: maff.go.jp