CLFP Tomato Statistics Report
January 7, 2003
For further information, contact:
Ed Yates, Sr. Vice President

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

Inventories of US processed tomato products were 9.6 million tons, stated on a raw product equivalent basis, as of December 1, 2002 according to a report released today by the California League of Food Processors.  Inventory is +14.6% above prior year levels.  Apparent disappearance of tomato stock increased 0.79% to 5.44 million tons during the six month period of June 1, 2002 to December 1, 2002.

The California tomato paste-for-sale pack is estimated to be 5.2 million tons (raw product equivalent) and inventory on December 1, 2002 was 3.4 million tons.

Total tomato paste stocks, including inventory held for remanufacture was estimated to total 6.8 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 91% of total US tonnage of processing tomatoes.