Jamaica Market Prices January 2026

Market price lists in Jamaica 2026
The new year brings a sigh of relief for Jamaican households. After the record-breaking "crisis prices" of late 2025, we are finally seeing a downward trend in the cost of essential vegetables. While the political climate in Jamaica remains divided and some may hesitate to acknowledge any "good news, the reality at the market stalls is clear: your dollar is stretching further this week than it did last month. 

Top Price Drops: Vegetables & Greens

The most dramatic changes are seen in leafy greens and salad favorites. These prices have tumbled from the highs seen during the October–December 2025 period.

  • Lettuce: Now $200/lb (Massive drop from $1,500–$2,000/lb).

  • Sweet Pepper: Steadying at $800/lb (Coming down from $1,200–$2,000/lb).

  • Tomato: Now $300/lb (Was $800–$1,500/lb).

  • Cucumber: Now $100/lb (Was $400/lb).

  • Cabbage: Now $300/lb (Was $400–$1,000/lb).

  • Carrot & Beetroot: Both holding at $300/lb (Down from $700–$800/lb).

 The "Melissa" Effect: Scarcity in the Fields

While prices for some items have dropped, Hurricane Melissa (October 2025) has left a lasting scar on our "tree" staples.

  • Bananas & Plantains: Currently "gone home." The storm blew down almost everything in the major farming belts. They are extremely scarce and hard to find.

  • Callaloo: Finally available at $200 per bundle (4-5 stalks), a major improvement from the post-storm price of $100 per single stalk.

 Gungo Peas Update

The Christmas season may be over, but Gungo is still on the menu and much more affordable:

  • Unshelled: $400/lb (was $800 in December).

  • Shelled: $1,000 per quart (was up to $1,500 per pint in December).

 Is Coronation Market Worth the Drive?

Coronation Market in Kingston remains the cheapest spot on the island—with Cucumbers at $20/lb and Lettuce at $100/lb. However, the "worth" of the trip depends entirely on your parish:

  • Kingston & St. Andrew: Yes, the savings are worth it.

  • Clarendon, Manchester & Western Jamaica: No. By the time you factor in high gas prices and the expensive toll fees, you will likely spend more on the road than you save on the scallion. Stick to your local parish markets.

 The Full Picture: Prices at a Glance (Jan 3, 2026)

ProduceGeneral Market (per lb)Coronation Price
Yellow Yam$400$300–$350
White Yam$300$200
Hot Pepper$4,000 ($1,000/doz)$4,000
Sweet Potato$200Fluctuates
Pumpkin$300Varies
Pop Chow$100Unknown

Summary

While some may try to politicize the cost of food, the data shows that production is slowly recovering despite the heavy losses from the hurricane. We still have a long way to go with our bananas and plantains, but for today, the "pot" is a little easier to fill.


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