Japan expects firmer cucumber and tomato prices in early September

Cucumber and tomato supplies entering Tokyo’s wholesale markets are expected to run slightly below normal in the first half of September, pushing prices somewhat above their five-year average, Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) reported on August 28.

For cucumbers, lower sunshine and cool mornings slowed growth in parts of Tohoku during late July and August. Tomato production was also held back in some areas by low temperatures in June, weaker sunshine later in the summer and poor fruit set following a period of sharp heat.

The situation should ease later in September, when both cucumber and tomato supply and prices are expected to return closer to normal.

Lettuce is already moving the other way. Better growing conditions in Nagano are expected to lift September shipments above average and keep prices below normal. Potato and onion production in Hokkaido is also developing well, with larger sizes expected to support above-average supply and lower prices.

source and photo: maff.go.jp