WPTC crop update as of 11 April 2017

 
Italy
In the north, 33,733 hectares have been contracted, which is 6,548 ha and about 16% less than in 2016. That means a forecast of about 2.4-2.5 million tonnes, depending from the final yield will be achieved. The planting of the seedlings started last week. It is progressing very well due to the high temperatures registered. The concern remains the lack of rainfall and the level of groundwater especially in the south area of the river Po areas where they started irrigation for many crops.
 
In the south, the surface to be planted will be similar to last year for a production expected between 2.4 and 2.5 million tonnes. Prices have not yet been agreed as growers resist the price reduction demanded by processors. Planting has started in the Caserta area and will begin at the end of the week in other zones.
 
Tunisia
The forecast remains the same as in February: it is expected that 14,000 hectares will be planted this year with an expected average yield of 65 t/ha. Of the total production of 910,000 tonnes, 650,000 tonnes are intended for paste production (target production of 100 000 tonnes of 28/30 paste) and 20 000 tonnes for canning. Field gate price will be 147 DT/t (≈ 59,7 €/t). Planting started at the end of February in the Centre and Cap Bon regions and at the end of March 7 800 ha had already been planted (4 650 ha at the same date in 2016). The harvest should start in the first week of July 2017.
 
 

 
Australia
The difficult start to the season has resulted in crop yields being lower than expected, across the entire production region. As a result, the expected forecast for the season has been reduced to approximately 208,000 tonnes.
 
California
While in the south of the valley planting is pretty much on schedule, in the north it is delayed by a couple of weeks to due rains, If the situation continues, some seedlings may be lost in the greenhouses.
 
Chile
We are in the last stage of our season with 80% already harvested at the end of last week, with normal weather and yields according with our last estimation. This season we have high colour in the raw material therefore good quality and colour in the tomato paste. The season should be extended until the end of April.