Futures market starts 2019 at almost highest point

The starting signal for 2019 is prompted by increasing demand in combination with limited supply. This results in higher market prices and quotations. Once again it appears that it is difficult to buy in rising markets. 

If an offer is made, it is often the result of quality problems. However, 'normal' purchasing on the open market is extremely difficult. The growers quickly think of market prices of more than €30 per 100 kilos; especially now that the futures market is also moving in that direction.

PAT Index
Due to the lack of free potatoes, the delivered kilos determine the Dutch market price. The PAT Index shows a clear increase and passes the €30 level for the first time since its introduction a few weeks ago.

The conclusion is that the undertone in the market remains unchanged. With regard to the cash settlement, it remains to be seen whether the French listing will follow the steps of the Belgian listings. France is the country with (comparatively) the most potatoes in stock, compared to the 4 other largest potato countries (Belgium, the Netherlands, England and Germany).

The larger French acreage and the relatively reasonable hectare yield (certainly compared to what has been harvested in Belgium) can give a somewhat different market feeling. 

Level of €30
Now that the €30 level has become more apparent, sales of end products may be under pressure. At least, that is the signal that the processors have been giving for quite some time. However, so far the processors do not seem to have really taken their foot off the gas.

Basically, processors have had time to get customers used to the higher chip prices and a significant portion of sales have also been made earlier in the season (with significantly lower prices). Time will tell how the market will develop further and whether the historic 2018 harvest year will really go down as historic.