Warning issued to anyone buying tomatoes at the supermarket

Anyone who loves tomatoes will know that the upcoming summer months are when they taste best. However, a leading tomato producer has warned that the price of this popular fruit could increase.

Mutti, an Italian brand that makes tins of tomato, purees and sauces, says prices could climb if oil prices remain high during the all-important summer tomato harvest season. Energy costs are around 50% higher than expected due to the ongoing conflict in Iran, which is still affecting oil and gas prices. Chief executive Francesco Mutti noted the business has avoided putting up prices, but warned that the period between July and September would be crucial in deciding what happens next.

According to the Grocery Gazette, the company uses around three-quarters of its yearly energy bill during the peak European tomato season. During this time, tomatoes are harvested and processed much more than usual and sent all over the world.

Mutti said the company would take another look at its position once the harvest had finished, with any potential price rises coming after the season ends

He added: “There, depending on the level, we will have to take the decision about what our position will be on the market.”

In Britain, tins of Mutti Polpa chopped tomatoes cost around £1.60, with the brand going head-to-head with Napolina for the title of leading non-supermarket tomato brand.

Mutti said this year’s Italian tomato harvest would be a “key element” in deciding whether prices need to rise.

And when it comes to fresh tomatoes, supermarket shoppers have already been feeling the impact. British growers who rely on glasshouses have been hit by both higher fertiliser prices and soaring energy prices.

Some faced electricity standing charges rising by up to 80% from April, according to the British Tomato Growers Association.

Customers have also been seeing gaps in shelves where tomatoes and other staple food items, such as peppers and cucumbers, should be.