The European potato market
Despite sometimes difficult harvest conditions, most potato growers in the EU-4 (Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France) have managed to bring in their harvest. According to Viaverda (formerly PCA), the number of contracts delivered is significantl
The total quantity of Belgian potatoes in the warehouses on 15 November is estimated at 3.27 million tonnes. A slightly higher total production and a slightly slower sales ultimately lead to a stock that is around 2% higher than the five-year average. This is also necessary as the Belgian industry continues to expand.
Given that a lot of contracts were delivered in recent weeks, the current stock of contracts is lower than in previous years (-8%). The share of free potatoes in particular seems to be higher this year compared to the five-year average (+25%), although it remains to be seen how much of this will remain net (including rotten potatoes). In addition, weight losses may be higher as there was already a lot of ventilation at the start of storage. In less than 15 years, the processed volume of potatoes in Belgium has doubled. In 2023, more than 6.2 million tonnes of potatoes were processed in Belgium.
The price for Fontane and Challenger is usually 20 euros per 100 kg, excl. VAT for lots with a minimum of 60% + 50 mm, for immediate delivery. There is a steady market atmosphere with relatively little supply. Sometimes higher prices are paid for healthy lots that are intended for export. For Bintje 20 euros per 100 kg is paid (source: Viaverda). In any case, there is a sentiment in the market that no oversupply of potatoes is expected in the long term and that prices will probably increase once the non-storable lots are out.
Fuente: boerenbond.be
