California has received a substantial amount of rainfall, with 96% of the average in the northern watershed and 88% in the San Joaquin watershed for the 2024 crop year. The reservoirs in northern California are currently at 117% of the historical average, and the central reservoirs are at an impressive 120% of the average.
Meet Emanuel Garcia, an invaluable member of our Morning Star Quality Control team. He began his journey in 2017, working as a seasonal bin assembler at our Liberty Packing facility. Emanuel quickly showcased his skills, dedication, and passion, and by the following season, he started working as a quality control technician in the bulk ingredient laboratory. Over two seasons, he honed his expertise in quality control processes and procedures for tomato products.
The Morning Star team is back to share what our factories have been working on to get ready for the 2024 season, featuring new developments in automated tomato transplanting technology and factory efficiencies.
Morning Star colleague Aaron Giampietro is back with another TOMATO BITES by Morning Star update. Amidst California’s favorable weather and robust water storage, transplant operations are flourishing, yet state forecasted water supply allocations remain low, and crop price negotiations continue between the tomato processors and the California Tomato Growers Association. Morning Star’s commitment to supply chain resilience continues to evolve to ensure stability and confidence for customers.
To our wonderful customers, growers and suppliers: Thank you for a fantastic year of partnership. As we celebrate the season, here’s to more shared success ahead. Wishing you joy, love and festive cheer.
Despite the inevitable challenges of rain, heat, disease, and political conflicts, the global tomato industry managed to outpace the initial forecast of 42.7 million mT by 1.5 million mT, representing a 5.8 million mT increase from the 2022 crop. Outside of California’s 11.5 million mT, Italy and China represented the largest production regions in 2022. Despite record prices for raw product, global production was not slowed in 2023.
Processing tomato crops flourished this season thanks to California’s exceptional summer and fall growing conditions. Inventory levels have been buffered, and a respectable carryover stock is anticipated for 2024. However, the sunny skies and minimal to no rainfall that facilitated processing until early November have extended into December. While the dry conditions allowed for successful fall ground preparation, California growers, with the holidays approaching, are hopeful for abundant rainfall and snow.
Skeeter Bethea joined Cal Sun Grower Services/Morning Star in February of this year and has now completed his first season working with the logistical operations team.
At Morning Star, responsible and sustainable practices are integral to our operations. From our specially designed lightweight tomato tub trailers to the use of gravity in our flume systems and recycled heat energy, we prioritize sustainability in every aspect of our processes, including the treatment of tomatoes themselves.
Welcome back to another TOMATO BITES by Morning Star video. The 2023 California processing season is now complete, and despite early-season odds, it concluded with a successful crop. This is a welcome turn of events following multiple challenging years.
Morning Star has revolutionized the way organizations function with its Mission Focused Self-Management structure and a profound commitment to ultimate Human Respect. In contrast to traditional corporate hierarchies, we operate without bosses or conventional power structures, placing responsibility in the hands of our colleagues who are dedicated to their personal and commercial missions.
As the season approaches its final stretch, it is an opportune moment to reflect on what has been beneficial for the 2023 California tomato crop and what concerns we should carry forward into next year.
After significant delays around the world to the start of the season, global processors are now well into the 2023 crop, with many countries nearing the end of their season. Weather presented many challenges, from flooding in Greece to heat waves in Egypt. Despite the delays, the World Processing Tomato Council continues to support the pre-season production figure of 42.271 million mT.
