The North-western European Potato Growers (NEPG) expects the ware potato area in the 5 largest potato countries to increase by 0,4% this year. Production is estimated to be lower due to the later planting season and the subsequent delayed harvest start.
An initial estimate for the EU-5 puts the total area of ware potatoes at 585.608 hectares. Calculated with a yield level at the 5-year average, this means a decrease of 4% compared to the previous year. Fewer table potatoes and more chip potatoes are grown in all countries.
The area of starch potatoes is also expected to increase in Germany, the Netherlands and France. However, the NEPG does not take this area into account in the forecast.
Growth in France
An increase of 2.129 hectares of potatoes represents a growth of 0,4% in surface area. Compared to the 5-year average, growth of 6,7% is achieved. France is growing the most (3%), good for almost 4.000 hectares. This is followed by Germany (1,5%) and Belgium (1,4%).
According to the forecast, the Netherlands will shrink by 2,5% in area. No current figures are available for the United Kingdom (UK). That is why the 5-year average has been used. This means a decrease of 3,6% in area.
Average harvest
The NEPG estimates an average yield of 48,1 tons per hectare and a total harvest of 28,17 million tons, compared to 29,33 million tons from the 2017 harvest. The 5-year average is 26,39 million tons. In the EU-5 started planting later. In the UK, only 50% of the area was in the ground at the beginning of May. This percentage is higher in France, Belgium and Germany.
When you do 'normal harvest' According to the NEPG, there is sufficient supply for the French fries industry, where demand is increasing further. It questions the current situation and whether there are enough high-quality French fries potatoes available to bridge the extended period until the new harvest. Sales become difficult for batches of lower quality.
Alternatives
Chip factories are contracting more potatoes this year. Growers have no favorable alternatives and therefore opt for potatoes. The French numbers are an example of this. The starting material for this expansion is sufficiently available.