Azerbaijan.US
A winter price decline for one of the country’s most popular vegetables is drawing attention to wider shifts in Azerbaijan’s food market.
Tomato prices in Baku have fallen noticeably in recent weeks, with some markets offering the product from around 1 manat per kilogram-an unusually low level for the winter season.
Sellers say the difference from last year is significant.
At the same time of year, even wholesale tomatoes rarely dropped below 1.5 manats, while higher-quality produce could reach 4-5 manats per kilogram.
The current decline has been visible since January 2026, and traders largely attribute it to oversupply and weaker export demand.
Farmers report that cheaper tomatoes from other countries-particularly in Central Asia-have increased competition in key external markets such as Russia, leaving more domestic produce inside Azerbaijan.
Economists warn that prolonged export constraints could lead to product losses and financial pressure on growers, as tomatoes are difficult to store for long periods without losing quality.
The price shift also contrasts with trends in other staple foods.
Separate estimates show that an average monthly salary in Azerbaijan can buy only about 44 kilograms of beef per year, highlighting uneven affordability across the basic food basket.
Tomatoes rank second among Azerbaijan’s non-oil exports, meaning sustained price volatility could affect not only consumers but also the broader agricultural sector.
