Part 3 of the Morning Star Company’s annual series, “Tomato Bites,” was released on February 17, 2026, providing an overview of the supply and demand outlook for processed tomato products. This final installment connects production data, inventory levels, and market demand to outline planning considerations for the upcoming 2026 crop.
According to the company, record tomato production in 2025 has resulted in elevated inventories. As a result, planned tonnage for the 2026 season will be adjusted downward as the industry aims to restore balance between supply and demand. The report notes that domestic demand remains stable while export markets are showing positive trends. Trade factors such as currency fluctuations and tariffs continue to affect global competitiveness.
By analyzing crop intentions alongside current stock data and movement trends, Morning Star seeks to provide a comprehensive view of market dynamics as the industry moves into 2026. The newsletter states: “As we conclude this year’s three-part series, we bring the full industry picture into focus. We began by examining raw material dynamics and the evolving agricultural landscape, then explored California’s water outlook and regulatory environment. In this final chapter, we turn to the market side of the equation – connecting production, inventory, and demand to better understand how recent seasons are shaping the year ahead.”
Morning Star operates three major facilities in Williams, Los Banos, and Santa Nella in California official website. These factories represent some of the largest tomato processing operations worldwide official website. The company processes tomatoes into products such as paste and diced tomatoes for various industries and distributes them across nearly 40 countries official website.
Environmental responsibility is a key part of Morning Star’s operations official website, with an emphasis on sustainable practices throughout its integrated operations—from partnering with local family farmers to managing transportation and cultivation. The organization also uses a self-management model where colleagues pursue personal commercial missions without a traditional hierarchy official website.
The company affirms its commitment to delivering quality tomato products while meeting customer expectations cost-effectively and sustainably official website.
As noted in their announcement: “Part 3 centers on the supply and demand outlook for processed tomato products and the key planning considerations for the 2026 crop. With record production in 2025 leaving inventories elevated, planned tonnage for 2026 reflects a deliberate adjustment as the industry works to rebalance supply. At the same time, domestic demand remains steady, export channels show constructive momentum, and trade dynamics – including currency and tariff pressures – continue to influence competitiveness. By examining crop intentions alongside stock-on-hand data and movement trends, this section connects the numbers to the broader market balance heading into 2026.”
The newsletter also reminds readers that distribution now takes place electronically via Mailchimp.
