CLFP Tomato Statistics Report
March 23, 2004
For further information, contact:
Robert C. Graf, President/CEO

US PROCESSED TOMATO STOCKS-ON-HAND REPORT FOR MARCH 1, 2004

Inventories of US processed tomato products were 5.8 million tons, stated on a raw product equivalent basis, as of March 1, 2004 according to a report released today by the California League of Food Processors.  Inventory is down 16.2% from prior year levels.  Apparent disappearance of tomato stock increased 2.1% to 8.3 million tons during the nine month period of June 1, 2003 to March 1, 2004.

The California tomato paste-for-sale inventory on March 1, 2004 was 1.6 million tons, on a raw product equivalent basis.

Total tomato paste stocks, including inventory held for remanufacture was estimated to total 4.0 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.