Tomato Supply Expected to Reduce Price During Christmas

News in Brief:

-Nigeria’s tomato growers expect increased supply ahead of Christmas and New Year, which is already causing prices to drop in both northern and urban markets.

-With more harvests coming, consumers could see further relief despite historically high December prices.

Nigeria’s tomato growers predict an increased supply of the produce ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations, which could lead to lower prices for consumers.

Rising Supply Eases Prices

In a statement attributed to the association’s chairman, Rabiu Zuntu, the price of tomatoes is expected to decline gradually due to increased supply during the festive season.

“Actually, the price of tomatoes is presently down, and most times it is influenced by the forces of demand and supply. The higher the supply, the lower the price, and vice versa. Currently, the volume of supply is increasing, and the price has gone down considerably,” he told journalists.

In the north, a 50kg basket of tomatoes sold for between ₦25,000 and ₦30,000 in early December, according to Zuntu, compared to ₦40,000 to ₦60,000 a few weeks prior. More farmers are expected to harvest their tomatoes soon, which could further lower prices.

Even in urban areas, where produce is typically shipped from rural regions, prices are showing signs of easing. For instance, a 50kg basket of tomatoes in Lagos now sells between ₦40,000 and ₦50,000, compared to ₦80,000 and ₦100,000 in previous months.

Historic Trends and Festive Demand Historically, December has not always seen a drop in tomato prices. In 2024, the month recorded a year-on-year increase of over 78%, and in 2023, prices were up by more than 77%. Although December 2024 showed a month-on-month decrease of -1.23% from November.

Tomatoes, a staple in Nigerian households for stews and other everyday meals, and a key raw material for industries, experience higher demand during year-end festivities. With the promise of increased supply, this year could see reduced costs, easing the financial burden on consumers.