For an update on peppers and chilli peppers, we look to Turkey: the areas under cultivation there are comparable to those in 2024 - although those for Lombardi peppers and jalapenos are slightly smaller this year. As with tomatoes in Italy, Spain and Portugal, the comparatively low temperatures posed a challenge for growers in spring. They were around five degrees below average. The seedlings could therefore only be planted in the fields after a delay. However, all the seedlings are now in the ground and experts are expecting an average harvest. No further delays are currently expected.
What does this mean for prices this season? Raw material prices appear to be back at the previous year's level - although there is talk of increases of up to 30 per cent in some places. What is already clear, however, is that labour costs have risen sharply. Compared to 2022, they have risen more than sevenfold. As peppers and chillies are harvested by hand, these additional labour costs will have a direct impact on the price of the end products.
Added to this are increased costs for packaging materials and the continuing high inflation in the country. According to Tagesspiegel, the inflation rate was at its lowest level since 2021 at the beginning of May - but it is still disproportionately high. Even the devaluation of the Turkish lira cannot cushion this completely, as many products are paid for in euros (e.g. vinegar) and US dollars (e.g. tin cans).
We cannot report much about specific prices at the moment. However, our partners expect to know more details by the end of May.