Contract reports denied Reports that some pre season Italian tomato contracts have been concluded between German discount buyers and Italian canners have been denied in Naples. Sources there say it is far too early for any commitment to be made after the losses sustained by the industry due to low, pre season deals and higher than expected production costs due to bad weather. A UK importer commented somewhat cynically: "This is just kite flying by our friends in Europe. The canners won't get their fingers burnt again." New season prices are likely to be at least 15% higher than last opening prices. Prices to be paid to growers this coming season are higher but due to payment delays last year, some growers are cutting back on their planting. {{CANNED GOODS }}

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