CLFP Tomato Statistics Report
January 3, 2002
For further information, contact:
T. Jeffrey Boese, President/CEO

US PROCESSED TOMATO STOCKS-ON-HAND REPORT FOR DECEMBER 1, 2001

Inventories of US processed tomato products were 8.4 million tons, stated on a raw product equivalent basis, as of December 1, 2001 according to a report released today by the California League of Food Processors. Inventory is 9.6% below prior year levels. Apparent disappearance of tomato stock decreased 15.6% to 5.3 million tons during the six month period of June 1, 2001 to December 1, 2001.

The California tomato paste-for-sale pack is estimated to be 3.866 million tons (raw product equivalent) and inventory on December 1, 2001 was 2.7 million tons.

Total tomato paste stocks, including inventory held for remanufacture was estimated to total 5.76 million tons (raw product equivalent).

CLFP statistics reports are estimates of the total US processed tomato supply, based on voluntary reports from processors throughout the United States. Participating processors handle over 93% of total US tonnage of processing tomatoes.