Europa: NEPG potato prices stabilise despite quality concerns

This represents a 51% decrease compared to the previous year. However, it’s worth noting that this price is only €9.00/mt less than what it was in 2021. Market sources note that prices have a bullish undertone emerging as processors intensify their efforts to secure free-buy stocks. However, there have been reports of quality concerns resulting in growers offloading lower-quality potatoes on the market, while higher grades are placed into storage. Growers are optimistic and anticipate better prices and margins later in the market year.

Similarly, the Mintec Benchmark price for Fontane potatoes [Mintec Code: POFO] in Belgium is flat at €100/mt, marking a 60% decrease year-on-year (y-o-y). Market reports indicate a considerable number of free-buy potatoes are in the market, which has exerted some downward pressure on prices. As seen with Dutch potatoes, quality-related issues have prompted some growers to sell off low-quality stocks. Bintje potatoes continue to have their customary premium over Fontane, the Mintec Benchmark price for Bintje potatoes in Belgium [Mintec Code: POBE] is currently at 110/mt, reflecting a 56% decrease y-o-y.

In France and Germany, the ongoing harvest is progressing well, although market sources have raised concerns about the quality of some of the potatoes being harvested.