Canary Islands Food Prices: Which Fresh Produce Has Risen and Fallen the Most?
Anyone who shops regularly in Lanzarote or elsewhere in the Canary Islands has probably noticed that the price of fresh fruit and vegetables never stays the same for long. Seasonal harvests, weather conditions, production costs and market demand all play a part in determining what farmers receive for their crops – and ultimately what shoppers may pay.
The latest agricultural price figures released by the Canary Islands Institute of Statistics (ISTAC) reveal some significant changes over the past year, with certain products becoming far more valuable while others have seen prices fall sharply. These figures relate to the prices paid to farmers at the point of sale, often referred to as “farm-gate prices,” rather than the final retail price seen in supermarkets.
Spring Onions Lead the Biggest Price Increase
According to the latest statistics, spring onions experienced the largest increase in value over the past year.
Farmers received around €1.70 per kilogram in June 2026, compared with approximately €0.62 per kilogram a year earlier, representing an increase of almost 179%.
Lemons Continue to Climb
Lemons also saw one of the most notable increases.
The average price paid to growers rose from €0.59 per kilogram to €1.11 per kilogram, an increase of just over 88%. This reflects growing demand alongside fluctuations in supply.
Other products that recorded healthy increases included:
- Cabbages: +40%
- Melons: +29.5%
- Sweet potatoes: +20.6%
Tomatoes Experience One of the Biggest Falls
While some crops have become more valuable, tomatoes have moved in the opposite direction.
The figures show farm-gate tomato prices falling by almost 40% over the past year, dropping from €1.76 per kilogram to €1.06 per kilogram. Papayas also recorded a substantial decline of around 25.5%.
Other products that became cheaper at the producer level included:
- Watermelons: -23.5%
- Onions: -23.1%
- Millo (corn) cobs: -16.7%
What Does This Mean for Shoppers in Lanzarote?
Although these statistics don’t directly reflect supermarket prices, they provide an important insight into what’s happening in the Canary Islands’ agricultural sector.
Retail prices are influenced by additional costs including:
- Transport between islands
- Packaging
- Distribution
- Wholesale margins
- Supermarket operating costs
As a result, consumers may not always see the same percentage increases or decreases on shop shelves, but changes in farm-gate prices often influence retail prices over time.
Why Do Prices Change So Much?
Agricultural prices naturally fluctuate throughout the year due to a variety of factors, including:
- Weather conditions affecting harvests
- Water availability
- Energy and production costs
- Seasonal demand
- Export markets
- Supply levels across the Canary Islands
Even relatively small changes in production can have a noticeable impact on the prices growers receive.
A Reminder of the Importance of Local Agriculture
The figures highlight just how dynamic farming can be across the Canary Islands. While some growers benefit from stronger prices, others face significant reductions depending on the crop and market conditions.
For residents and visitors in Lanzarote, supporting local fruit and vegetable producers helps sustain an industry that remains an important part of the islands’ economy and landscape.
Whether you’re buying fresh tomatoes for a salad, squeezing local lemons into a drink or picking up seasonal melons at a market, the value of these products can change considerably from one year to the next.
