CLFP Tomato Statistics Report

US processed tomato inventory stood at 2.2 million tons, on a raw product equivalent basis as of June 1, 1999, according to a report released today by the California League of Food Processors. Stocks of tomato products were 32% lower than a year ago, and the lowest level reported since June 1994.

Apparent annual disappearance of stocks declined 8% to 10.4 million tons, or at rate of 870 million tons per month. The CLFP reporting system does not account for year-to-year changes in net exports of processed tomato products; as a result, the apparent disappearance statistics should be used with caution. Imported industrial ingredients may be included in some remanufactured product inventory.

Tomato "paste for sale" from California processors was 374,674 tons, stated on a raw product equivalent basis, again the lowest inventory reported since June 1994.

CLFP tomato inventory statistics are estimates of total US inventories, based upon voluntary reports from processors across the country handling 92% of the US processing tomatoes.

For further information, contact: T. Jeffrey Boese, President/CEO

CLFP news release