Tomato prices in the U.S. have jumped 22% year-over-year, according to the latest Consumer Price Index data. The spike is being driven by a perfect storm: a 17% tariff on Mexican tomatoes, higher fuel and fertilizer costs, and adverse weather during peak growing season in both Florida and Mexico.
This is a significant squeeze for buyers and category managers. Mexico supplies the majority of fresh tomatoes sold in the U.S., so the tariff hit is broad and immediate — it's not isolated to one region or growing window. Florida's own season was also disrupted by weather, removing a key domestic alternative.
Watch for further pressure as the season transitions. If supply doesn't normalize and tariffs hold, retail pricing on tomatoes could continue climbing through summer. Buyers should be tracking alternate sourcing options and preparing for consumer sticker shock at the shelf.