Mircea Groza, a historian in gastronomy, sounds the alarm about the situation on the Romanian tomato market, criticizing traders who claim to sell “Oltenesti” tomatoes, while the products are actually imported from Italy.
Groza, a connoisseur of local markets and a supporter of honest producers, draws attention to price differences and the unethical nature of selling imported products, which are sold as “local”.
In the markets of Cluj and Zalău, many merchants sell tomatoes at exorbitant prices, even 35 lei per kilogram, under the label of “Oltenesti tomatoes”, Știri de Cluj reports.
However, Mircea Groza noticed that these are actually tomatoes of the “Prekos” variety, imported from Italy, which can be found in supermarkets at prices of approximately 17 lei per kilogram.
He reveals that in Romanian wholesale warehouses, these tomatoes are available at prices of around 9 lei, and the markups of local traders are too high, especially compared to supermarkets.
In the picture below, the same type of tomato sold in the supermarket as tomatoes from Italy, at half the price:
Groza also recalls the times when real Olten producers brought tasty tomatoes to Transylvanian markets, but today these producers are missing because they still do not have their own production available for sale.
Historian points out that authentic “Oltenesti” tomatoes cannot be found before July, which raises questions about the authenticity of those currently on the market.
He urges the authorities for stricter control of agricultural products on the market, to protect consumers and support honest local producers.
The lack of this control allows specula to dominate the markets, endangering both the local economy and the health of consumers.
Tags: Tomatoes Italy sold Romania Oltenesti tomatoes exorbitant price Rotalian
