Scarcity doubles the price of tomatoes

The national shortage of tomatoes has doubled their price.

Glenn Booth, from Turners and Growers, said the shortage was caused by 10 days of unexpected bad weather around the country that seriously affected plant growth.

The lack of light reduced the setting of fruit, just as high summer demand for tomatoes had put a strain on the depleted volumes.

Supplies are expected to improve over the next week to 10 days. A fruit and vegetable retailer, Jamie Spence, said tomatoes were selling for twice their usual price at this time of year.

Mr Spence said pipfruit was also in short supply, because wet weather in Hawke's Bay had affected the quality of fruit.

"There is fruit around, but the quality isn't great.

"They do have the fruit, but it's hard to pick it and it doesn't last long."

- NZPA