As a result of a larger acreage and good harvests, Europe is flooded with loads of early potatoes for low prices, from southern Europe. This harms early crops in Western Europe. Supermarket chains have more than enough product to choose from. Prices are falling rapidly.
The price for early table potatoes in Germany has never fallen so quickly and so early. In the second half of June, the price went from over €40 per 100 kilos to less than €30 per 100 kilos. Over the past two years, the price has been moving around the $50 level and slowly moving down. In 2016, the price didn't hit the $27 mark until August 10. This year it will be on June 23.
Supermarkets overcrowded
Supermarkets have plenty of early potatoes, which are offered in abundance from Spain. German supermarket chains are provided with sufficient product for the next two weeks. Some space is made for potatoes from the Palatinate, but not nearly enough. They are therefore pushed further back.
Spaniards harvest 50% more
After a financially favorable year in 2016, Spanish potato growers have expanded their acreage by about 20%. In addition, the yield is also significantly higher. Up to 50% in Andalusia, due to favorable weather conditions during the growing season. The recent heat is coming too late and is a major concern for transportation. Only in the region of Murcia, where a lot of rain fell and frost set in at the beginning of this year, are there some problems. These potatoes come on the market later, which means that the potato flow to Northwestern Europe will only increase.
Falling French prices
The harvest of early potatoes is also in full swing in France. Harvesting takes place in the south and southwest, just like in Normandy and further south in Brittany. Because ever larger quantities of potatoes come onto the market, prices are also falling. Last week it was €40 to €35 per 100 kilos. This week that is €30 per 100 kilos. Those are not the lowest prices yet. In Poland, €11 to €19 per 100 kilos is paid for the new own harvest.