30% Increase in Cherry Tomato Prices... Why Are They So Expensive?

Apple and Pear Recover to Average Levels
Tomato Up 31% Compared to Average

As the government is implementing measures to stabilize prices of agricultural and livestock products, the prices of apples and pears, which had driven the rise in fruit prices, are maintaining a stable trend. However, cherry tomatoes continue to show strong price momentum.

According to the Agricultural and Fishery Food Distribution Corporation (aT) agricultural product distribution information on the 27th, the retail price for 10 apples (Fuji, standard grade) was 24,890 won. Although apple prices exceeded 30,000 won earlier this month, they have recovered to a level similar to the average price of 23,513 won. Pear prices have fluctuated around the 40,000 won range over the past week. On this day, the retail price for 10 pears (Shingo, standard grade) was 39,391 won, which is 6.1% higher than the average price of 36,994 won but 5.6% lower than the price on the 20th (41,594 won).

A citizen purchasing cherry tomatoes at a large supermarket in Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

However, the strong price trend for cherry tomatoes, which are excluded from government discounts and supply price support, continues. The retail price for cherry tomatoes (standard grade) per 1kg was 14,455 won. This is about 22% higher than a year ago (11,182 won) and about 39% higher than the average price (8,846 won). The situation is similar for jujube cherry tomatoes. On this day, the retail price for 1kg of jujube cherry tomatoes (standard grade) was 12,581 won, which is 18.8% higher than a year ago (10,217 won) and 8.7% higher than a month ago (11,488 won). Compared to the average price (8,638 won), it surged by 31%.

In response to growing instability in food prices such as fruits and vegetables, the government is making every effort to stabilize grocery prices by operating a daily price monitoring system. Since the 18th, the number of agricultural products eligible for supply price support has increased from 13 to 21 items, and the support price per item has been expanded up to twice the previous amount. The government’s discount support rate for agricultural products has also been temporarily raised from 20% to 30%, enabling consumers to purchase at prices reduced by up to 40-50% through combined discounts from the distribution industry.

However, cherry tomatoes are not included in the agricultural product supply price support items nor are they eligible for government discount support. Under these circumstances, the price surge of cherry tomatoes continues due to poor crop conditions caused by weather factors. Accordingly, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is reportedly considering adding cherry tomatoes to the list of supported items.