KRTV

Posted: Mar 9, 2010 7:06 PM
Updated: Mar 9, 2010 7:10 PM

You say "tomato," but many people are saying "too much," as the recent cold snap in Florida has caused the price of tomatoes to skyrocket by as much as 70% in recent weeks.

Area grocers say the sunshine state had an exceptionally chilly winter, and now California and Mexico are picking up the slack.

Tom Dirk, produce manager at Van's IGA, said, "They have to supply these coasts to make up for Florida. Therefore it's simply supply and demand."

Adam Drennen, co-manager of the Pasta Pit Stop says his restaurant is prepared for these price jumps, but it still hurts.

Drennen noted, "The Roman tomatoes were $1.20 per pound, now they're $2.69 pound, in a week. So, you feel a little bit of a the crunch, but we designed the menu at a high buy rate, so it's not affecting us too much."

Customers say they too have come to expect fluctuating price tags, and know they have to cut back in other areas in order to get what they need.

One local shopper said, "Prices of things always go up and down. I just adjust myself."

But tomato lovers don't need to worry for too long - there are still a few great deals, out there like the Roma tomato for $1.79 a pound.

Dirk says he expects prices to slowly come back to normal over the next two months.