COVID-19 disrupted daily life for individuals around the world and significantly impacted the global food supply chain. U.S. states began issuing emergency declarations in early March 2020. In the following weeks, states restricted large gatherings and closed schools, restaurants, and other congregate settings.
This analysis examines the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the U.S. market for fresh tomatoes.
Impacts of the COVID-19 shutdown differ between domestically-grown Florida tomatoes and imported Mexican tomatoes.
Round tomato shipping volumes saw significant declines following the start of COVID-19 related business closures. Mature greens saw the steepest drop. Roma tomato shipment volumes tracked with their five-year averages, though a modest decline in shipments in the weeks following COVID-related business closures occurred, particularly in shipments from Mexico.
Shipping point prices for round tomatoes (mature greens from Florida and vine ripes from Mexico), as well as Roma tomatoes, were at or above five-year average prices for nearly all of the 2019/20 season.
Generally, round and Roma tomato retail prices tracked with their 5-year averages. This contrasts with prices for other grocery commodities following the shock, such as meat and dairy, which saw large price increases after the onset of the pandemic.
Data on foodservice sales are lacking, however, media reports around the time of the initial COVID lockdown suggest that a significant share of Florida round tomato production was destined for foodservice prior to the pandemic [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] [ 4 ]. Meanwhile, reports of consumers stockpiling non-perishable grocery items (as opposed to fresh produce) may explain the decline in shipments of round tomatoes of Mexican origin, as well as declines in shipments of Roma tomatoes of both origins [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ].
For more detailed analysis, the full research report can be viewed at the UA Agriculture and Resource Economics Department website.
