Tomato Prices Have Risen ‘More Than Any Other Food’

Prices for tomatoes have soared “more than any other food product over the past year,” the Associated Press reported.

“Tomato prices are up about 40% over a year ago, according to the latest Consumer Price Index, dwarfing increases for other groceries, including coffee (up 18.5%), beef roasts (up 17.8%) and frozen fish and seafood (up 12%), among other products that have become symbols of America’s affordability squeeze,” AP wrote.

Alongside lower crop yields, experts blame price increases for tomatoes, in part, on the Iran war and tariffs, according to the report, with the war spiking gas prices and increasing shipping costs. Also, the U.S. withdrew from a deal allowing duty-free imports of tomatoes from Mexico, which grows most of America’s supply.

“American tomato farmers cheered the withdrawal from the tomato deal last July, saying it would help rebuild their shrinking industry. But for consumers, it’s been painful. Though the U.S. withdrew from the Mexico tomato deal in July, it took time to see the impact in the produce aisle, with more imports in late winter and early spring. When the tomatoes arrived, they were slapped with a 17% tariff,” the outlet wrote.

However, the impact has been most pronounced for businesses that rely on tomatoes as an ingredient in their kitchens.

“The tomato has become a symbol of something much deeper,” said Isaac Bernal Carbajo, a New York City chef. “Something as basic as buying fresh vegetables is starting to become a serious financial decision for many families.”

MarginEdge, which tracks prices for restaurants, said grape tomatoes have increased most—65% in just a month—but prices have gone up across all types of tomatoes.

Meanwhile, in May, U.S. consumer confidence declined slightly as gas prices remained high and inflation stays elevated. The latest consumer confidence survey showed that confidence grew among households with incomes at or above $100,000, while it fell for most others.