Like the other processors in Europe, the Belgian potato processors will have a major struggle until at least the middle of next year. There are even rumors that working time reductions will be requested later in the season to meet production capacity (there are too few potatoes).
Belgian potato processors have experienced significant growth in recent years: from 2,9 million tons in 2009 to more than 4 million tons in 2017. Naturally, the area has also grown: from 75.300 hectares in 2013 to 92.200 hectares in 2018. This was also necessary to meet the need for raw materials.
In recent years, Belgian processors have significantly expanded their position with regard to the supply of raw materials to the north of France. For this reason, the French acreage for consumption potatoes has grown from 123.200 hectares (2013) to 147.000 hectares (this season).
Crop failure in Belgium
Due to the harvest failure in Belgium (yield in the country is approximately 25% less than average), processors in the country are facing major problems. Besides the fact that it is average substantial lower hectare yields are harvested, quality is also an issue. The Bintje variety in particular has a major problem with overgrowth, and therefore glass.
A number of Belgian processors have indicated that they are not in the market for Bintje, with the result that now (during the off-farm period) the supply of moderate to poor quality potatoes of the Bintje variety is greater than demand.
Belgapom quotation
The Belgapom quotation, which does not have the specification of 360 grams underwater weight (unlike PCA/Fiwap and French RNM), dropped by €28 to €2,50 per 22,50 kilos on Friday, September 100. The market prices of Fontane and Challenger remained at €25 per 100 kilos.
The French listing RNM showed an increase one day earlier for potatoes of the Fontane variety. This increased from an average of €1 per 25,50 kilos in week 100 to €38 per 27 kilos in week 100. The quotation for Bintje remained unchanged at €39 per 25 kilos.