Tomato prices in Azerbaijan have jumped, now reaching 5 manats (€2.70) per kilogram, up from 3 manats (€1.60) a year ago. This comes despite an increase in export volume.
In January–February 2025, Azerbaijan exported 22,739 tons of tomatoes worth $26.7 million—a 5% increase in volume but an 11% drop in value compared to the same period in 2024. Experts say that the domestic market is facing a shortage, which is pushing prices up.
The main reason: fewer greenhouses. In 2024, the number of greenhouses dropped from 3,228 to 3,037, reducing tomato production and creating supply issues. Farmers are also facing higher production and export costs and strong competition from cheaper Turkmen tomatoes in Russia.
Economist Akif Nasirli says that since 2019, farmers have struggled with utility disruptions and strict new export rules requiring certification from the Food Safety Agency. Many small and medium growers have shut down, leaving the market to larger producers.
A. Nasirli notes that the closed greenhouse season is coming to an end.
"At this time, there should be an abundance of produce, and prices should be low. But the lack of production allows monopolists to dictate any prices they want to the domestic market. That's why a sharp decrease in tomato prices is not expected shortly," he emphasized.
Source: media.az