Tomatoes expected to set record, other crops only average.

SAN RAMON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 7, 1996--The 1996 California tomato crop will set a record if the state's projected harvest of 11.4 million tons is harvested from the 334,000 planted acres, according to the company that processes one of every 10 tomatoes in California.

The San Ramon, Calif.-based Tri Valley Growers expects that while a bumper crop of tomatoes is likely, expectations for tree fruits and olives are at or below normal levels. A cool spring has already minimized the crops' potential, but early summer weather could still affect the season's productivity.

The state's cling peach crop will be below average at 475,000 tons, but above the 1995 level of 400,000 tons. Tri Valley Growers expects to supply 270,000 tons, over half of the peach crop.

"The pear crop is projected to be somewhat lighter than normal at 285,000 tons, but will remain above the 1995 level," says Scott McRitchie, vice president of field operations for Tri Valley Growers. Tri Valley Growers expects its growers will supply 90,000 tons.

The processing apricot crop at 35,000 tons will again be half the normal tonnage, as it was in 1995. Tri Valley Growers' grower-members will produce about 10,000 tons of apricots, nearly a third of the total. Cool temperatures reduced fruit tonnages last year and are expected to do the same this year.

"This shortfall of apricots may put a strain on supplies to the consumer," says Joe Famalette, president and CEO of the 650-grower cooperative. "As a market-focused company, this potential shortfall presents a new market challenge in order to meet consumer demand. We will work with our growers to ensure consumers still get the high-quality, fairly priced product that they deserve."

According to McRitchie, "The olive crop is forecast as normal, but the outlook could change as the trees are just beginning to bloom. Last year should have been a good year for olives, but rain in April and May reduced the crop."

Statewide olives tonnages is estimated at 120,000 tons. Tri Valley Growers will likely product 26,000 tons, about 20 percent of the total.

Tri Valley Growers is a grower-owned cooperative based in San Ramon, Calif., that markets, grows and processes food products for customers in North America, Europe and the Pacific Rim. The cooperative is responsible for 54 percent of all canned fruit in the United States, 23 percent of all canned olives and 10 percent of all canned-tomato products.

The cooperative employs more than 12,500 people during peak season at 10 plants -- nine in California and one in New Jersey. Retail brands include S & W Fine Foods, Oberti Olives, Libby and Libby Lite Fruits and Tomatoes, Redpack and Tuttorosso Tomatoes, and Sacramento Tomato Juice as well as numerous private labels. Tri Valley Growers also markets to contract, foodservice, government and industrial consumers.

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Lani Fehr

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Julie Franklin 

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