Market Minute: Timing right for tomato promotions
Market Minute: Timing right for tomato promotions
Supermarkets are the leading source for the majority of fresh tomato sales in the U.S. Over 70 percent of tomatoes are imported into the country, primarily from Mexico and Canada.
California is a major producer of fresh tomatoes with Florida as the second-largest supplier in the U.S.
The 2024 overall tomato category dollar sales generated an increase of 2.1 percent over the previous year. Grape tomatoes reported a 24.7 percent dollar share of the category followed by Roma at 19.8 percent and on-the-vine tomatoes at 13.9 percent share.
Tomatoes play a major role in yielding a wealth of sales for the produce department. There are many exciting varieties for customers to choose from. Whether it’s the common round, on-the-vine, cherry, Roma plum, grape or other colored medley varieties, all tomatoes will guarantee a boost to sales. So, build some eye-appealing presentations to draw shoppers over to your display for those mega-volume sales.
The current eastern, California and Mexican tomato demand is moderate with a steady market. Some shipping areas may show a light or fairly light supply. Other regions are reporting good volume and a slightly lower market. Local tomatoes are also adding to the volume. We highly recommend that you check with your tomato suppliers for further updated information as markets can become volatile instantly.
Ron Pelger is a produce industry adviser and industry writer. He can be contacted at 775/843-2394 or by e-mail at [email protected].
