High Tomato Supply in the Market has led to Low Prices

By Vera Shawiza / Published October 6, 2016 | 12:04 pm

It was just the other day when the supply of tomatoes was very low across the country. This case is no more as the commodity is currently flowing in plenty in Kenyan markets.

In the last one month, tomato market prices have dropped drastically as the supply has doubled in the market, and it is not only in Kenya, but across East Africa.

A 64-kg box of tomatoes that was going for between Sh.7,800 and Sh.9,200 in various wholesale markets in the East African nation in August is now retailing at an average of Sh.5200.

In Nairobi, the 64-kg box of tomatoes in wholesale market is being sold at an average of Sh.4,550, down from Sh.7,800 two months ago.

The Sh.3,300 drop is a big relief to city residents and traders who had been hit hard by high prices. Central, Eastern and Rift Valley regions are among areas that are currently supplying the commodity across the country due to the high harvest that they recently and are still experiencing.

One tomato is now being sold at Sh.10 in the high areas of the city, but most markets are selling the commodity at Sh.10 for 3. Consumers are the ones on the benefiting side while retailers see this as a loss on their side.

Despite the current situation, expecting the prices to go high towards the festive season since that is the time when the commodity will be abit scarce and most needed by consumers. that season is also abit dry, thus leading to a shortage on the production of the commodity.

Read: Njahi Retailing Highest in Nairobi; Lowest in Eldoret

About Vera Shawiza

Vera Shawiza is Soko Directory’s in-house journalist. Her zealous nature ensures that sufficient and relevant content is generated for the Soko Directory website and sourcing information from clients is easy as smooth sailing.Vera can be reached at: (020) 528 0222 or Email: info@sokodirectory.com

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