CLFP Tomato Statistics Report
 March 19, 2002
For further information, contact:
T. Jeffrey Boese, President/CEO

US PROCESSED TOMATO STOCKS-ON-HAND REPORT FOR MARCH 1, 2002

Inventories of US processed tomato products were 6.08 million tons, stated on a raw product equivalent basis, as of March 1, 2002 according to a report released today by the California League of Food Processors.  Inventory is 12% below prior year levels.  Apparent disappearance of tomato stock decreased 11% to 7.7 million tons during the nine month period of June 1, 2001 to March 1, 2002.

The California tomato paste-for-sale inventory on March 1, 2002 was 1.6 million tons, raw product equivalent basis.

Total tomato paste stocks, including inventory held for remanufacture was estimated to total 3.9 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.