Total inventories of U.S. processed tomato products are approximately 8.8 million tons, stated on a raw product equivalent basis, as of March 1, 2018, according to a report released today by the California League of Food Producers. Inventory is down 16.2% from the prior year level. Apparent disappearance of tomato stocks has increased 2.1%, totaling approximately 9.9 million tons during the nine-month period of June 1, 2017 to March 1, 2018, as compared to the prior reporting period. 

Total bulk tomato paste stocks, including inventory held for remanufacture, were estimated to total approximately 6.5 million tons, on a raw product “paid-for tons” equivalent basis, as of March 1, 2018. 

The U.S. bulk tomato paste-for-sale inventory on March 1, 2018 was approximately 4.3 million tons, on a raw product “paid-for tons” equivalent basis. 

CLFP statistics reports are estimates, assuming 100% reporting, of the total U.S. processed tomato supply based on voluntary reports from processors throughout the United States. Participating processors handle approximately 91.8% of total U.S. tonnage of processing tomatoes, and 94.9% of total U.S. paste production. 

We will publish our detailed analysis of this report in the next few days.

Source: CLFP