There is a shortage of tomatoes in some of the major retailers in South Australia just now, but this does not seem to be the case in local grocers or independent retailers.
"The shortage of tomatoes in South Australia at the moment is due to the winding up of the SA growing season and a delay in the start of the Queensland season," explains Penny Reidy, Marketing, BD & Communications Manager at South Australian Produce Market. "Normally, the two seasons overlap; however, this year weather has slightly disrupted that growing pattern."
Tomatoes grow most efficiently in the warmer parts of the country. As South Australia cools down for the winter, the supply shortens; normally, produce is sourced from Queensland to keep up with the demand.
"Weather is always a large factor in the supply of fresh produce, and tomatoes are no different. The weather has cooled in South Australia in recent weeks."
Penny said that the shortage at the big retailers appears to be a supply issue, but as she is not involved in big retail or a representative of it, she wouldn't be able to say for sure.
Good tomato supply at local greengrocers and independent retailers
"The advantage of the independent greengrocers and retailers is their direct supply chain. Growers bring their produce to the South Australian Produce Market for wholesale trade, direct to these grocers who collect every morning to fill the shelves of their stores. It is a direct chain with a very small carbon footprint that provides consistency of supply. The independent sector can also negotiate directly with growers and source more varieties to fill their shelves. If truss tomatoes are low in supply, they may fill shelves with Romas, Cherry, or Heirloom tomatoes – the owner of the store is normally at the wholesale market buying the produce every morning, so they have the flexibility to fill shelves with the best quality and supply."
For more information:
Penny Reidy
South Australian Produce Market Limited
Tel: +61 8 8349 4493
[email protected]
www.saproducemarket.com.au