US tomato processing inventory 13.7% lower than last year

Total inventories of U.S. processed tomato products were just under 4.7 million tons, stated on a raw product equivalent basis, as of June 1, 2020, according to a report released today by the California League of Food Producers.

Inventory is down 13.7% from the prior year level. Apparent disappearance of tomato stocks decreased 6.2%, totaling approximately 12.4 million tons during the twelve-month period of June 1, 2019 to June 1, 2020.

Total bulk tomato paste stocks, including inventory held for remanufacture, were estimated to total 3.2 million tons, on a raw product “paid-for tons” equivalent basis, as of June 1, 2020.

The U.S. bulk tomato paste-for-sale inventory on June 1, 2020 was approximately 2.2 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 92.5% of total U.S. tonnage of processing tomatoes, and 95.7% of total U.S. paste production.

The 2019-20 U.S. Processed Tomato Supply and Movement reported is based on 92.5% of the industry reporting data. All numbers are rounded to the nearest 1,000 pounds for the purposes of this report.

This report is an estimate of total U.S. supply and demand for processed tomato products. Reports are based on voluntary pack and inventory reports furnished by participating U.S. processors.

• All positions are stated on a “raw product tons” equivalent basis.
• CLFP “Pack Year” begins June 1 and ends May 31.
• 2019-20 pack year statistics based on reports from processors handling 92.5% of U.S. tonnage.

To U.S. tomato processors and interested parties

Listed below are the 2019-2020 Bulk Tomato Paste and Bulk Tomato “Paste for Sale” pack and inventory estimates as of June 1, 2020 for U.S. Tomato Processors. The 2019-20 U.S. Processed Tomato Supply and Movement reported is based on an estimated 95.7% of the industry reporting data for bulk tomato paste. Representation below is assuming 100% reporting as well as actual paste industry aggregate reporting of an estimated 95.7%. All numbers are rounded to the nearest 1,000 pounds for the purposes of this report.

— California League of Food Producers (CLFP)