CLFP Tomato Statistics Report
March 24, 2003
For further information, contact:
Ed Yates, Sr. Vice President

US PROCESSED TOMATO STOCKS-ON-HAND REPORT FOR MARCH 1, 2003

Inventories of US processed tomato products were 7.0 million tons, stated on a raw product equivalent basis, as of March 1, 2003 according to a report released today by the California League of Food Processors.  Inventory is 15.3% above prior year levels.  Apparent disappearance of tomato stock increased 5.5% to 8.1 million tons during the nine month period of June 1, 2002 to March 1, 2003.

The California tomato paste-for-sale inventory on March 1, 2003 was 2.2 million tons, raw product equivalent basis.

Total tomato paste stocks, including inventory held for remanufacture was estimated to total 5.0 million tons, raw product equivalent basis.

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.