While a large part of the Netherlands is still fighting the elements to get the potatoes behind the shelves, buyers are concerned about the quality of the harvested and yet to be harvested potatoes.
Although large amounts of water fell in a number of places at the end of September, the damage does not seem to be extensive everywhere. The southwestern clay areas, the coastal areas and parts of Friesland report considerable damage due to rot. These are mainly clay potatoes, which are intended for long storage. However, more and more noise is also coming from the sandy soils in the east, with more rot being found than expected.
Will there be pressure?
This is a major concern for customers, given the pressure that will arise from batches that appear not to be storable. Due to the large yield, many processors will continue to meet their on-shore obligations until at least week 47. But in the meantime, new pressure is arising from parties that appear not to be stored properly.
Especially the varieties with Agria blood quickly show signs of rot. This completely turns the planning of many processors upside down. In the event of a compelling offer, they want to help their contract growers as quickly as possible, which means there is no room for extra 'free' potatoes, which are in emergency storage, for example.
This means that the pressure on the market seems likely to continue until at least January. Not because there are too many, but because they do not appear to be kept for long everywhere.