CLFP Tomato Statistics Report
January 8, 2004
For further information, contact:
Robert C. Graf, President/CEO

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

Inventories of US processed tomato products were 8.5 million tons, stated on a raw product equivalent basis, as of December 1, 2003 according to a report released today by the California League of Food Processors.  Inventory is down 12.3% from prior year levels.  Apparent disappearance of tomato stock increased 3.3% to 5.7 million tons during the six month period of June 1, 2003 to December 1, 2003 .

The California tomato paste-for-sale inventory on December 1, 2003 was 2.9 million tons, on a raw product equivalent basis.

Total tomato paste stocks, including inventory held for remanufacture was estimated to total 5.8 million tons, on a 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 94% of total US tonnage of processing tomatoes.