Inside: Potato Market
French fries industry asks for an extra 750.000 tons
The NEPG estimates that French fries factories in the EU need a total of 750.000 tons of extra potatoes to meet their raw material needs. The area expansion is in line with that extra demand. The question is how many tons this will yield, given the difficult growing conditions in Belgium and France in particular.
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Choose the subscription that suits youThe North-Western European Potato Growers (NEPG) published the latest figures for the Western European potato area on Tuesday, July 4. They show that the total area in the EU5 is 578.821 hectares. This means that the area is further adjusted upwards, compared to April forecast. The NEPG has an additional 6.336 hectares. That brings the year-on-year increase to 4,6% growth. Compared to the 5-year average, this increase is a plus of 8,3%. Belgium is and remains the biggest individual climber. There the area is expanding by 5,4%.
25.700
hectare
Needs amply met?
An increase of 4,6% means 25.700 hectares more potatoes in the EU5. The average yield last year was 42,4 tons per hectare. This means that the expansion is theoretically good for 1,089 million tons of potatoes. Sufficient to supply, especially Belgian factories.
Area development for consumption potatoes within the EU-5. Looking for more graphs? Visit the database!
Minus plus minus?
However, the question is whether all those tons will grow. It has been extremely dry in Western Europe in recent weeks and irrigation is not always possible. Partly due to restrictions imposed by the government. In Belgium, 20 to 25% fewer potatoes are expected, reports the NEPG. However, this is compared to last year. The 2016 harvest is not known for its high yields. Certainly not in Belgium. This paints the picture that the yield will be even worse. Our southern neighbors harvested an average of 43,5 tons per hectare last year. In the peak year of 2011, this was 10 tons more: 53,5 tons per hectare.
Average potato yield in Belgium.
England has the best cards
Despite the locally difficult situation, many crops for the main harvest are in good condition on average, the NEPG believes. This is especially the case in the United Kingdom, because growers there were served with a shower on time. The recent rain showers in the EU have caused large differences locally. This gives crop growth a boost, but also entails continued growth.
All scenarios open
July and August, and the weather during those 8 weeks, are decisive for the main harvest. All scenarios are therefore still possible. In mid-August, the NEPG will publish the first yield figures, based on trial harvests.