Tomato prices in Israel skyrocket: here's the reason

Tomato prices in Israel have surged sharply: in some chains, a kilogram reaches nearly 20 shekels. The reason is the hot summer and the end of the growing season, leading to a shortage. Farmers warn of further price increases in the coming month, while chains hold pre-holiday sales with discounts.

Tomato prices in Israel have skyrocketed: in some supermarket chains, a kilogram costs nearly 20 shekels. A spot check by Ynet, conducted on Wednesday, September 23, revealed significant price variation. At the Shufersal Express supermarket in north Tel Aviv, the price reached 18.90 shekels per kilogram, while at the Super Yuda chain via the Wolt delivery service, it was 19.90 shekels. Farmers attribute the sharp price increase to the hot summer and the end of the growing season, which has led to a shortage. The wholesale price is approaching 10 shekels per kilogram and is expected to continue rising. Meanwhile, some chains are holding pre-holiday sales: at Victory and Victory Plus, there is a promotion offering a kilogram of tomatoes for 1 shekel with a purchase of 100 shekels (until October 3). At Rami Levi, the discounted price is 2.90–3.90 shekels. One producer told Ynet that imports from Turkey are absent, and from Jordan are minimal due to the heat. The shortage has also affected eggplants, potatoes, and onions. The situation is expected to normalize in about a month, when the harvest from the Arava reaches the market.