Potato processing from high to low point

Figures from the Arable Farming Trade Organization show that 275.800 tons of potatoes were processed in December. The last time such a low quantity of potatoes was processed was in July 2015. However, that is a month in which processing is usually always at a relatively low level.

Problems with processors
If we exclude the period in which factories are cleaned (June and July), the processing figure was last this low in December 2012. It is now clear that something is going on with the potato processors.

One reason for this may be the November 30 fire at a McCain factory. Inquiries show that the fire was not large, but that the factory was partly shut down. However, before New Year's Eve the factory was fully active again. The factory in Lelystad is one of the larger factories in Europe and the partial closure may have had an influence.

Holidays
Another factor that may explain the low processing figure is that the month of December has to do with Christmas and New Year's Eve. Normally the factories continue to operate as normal, but the situation may be different in the event of a shortage of raw materials. Be that as it may, it is clear that the manufacturing industry is also dealing with extremes.

Of the 275.800 tons, 121.800 tons were processed into pre-baked products and more than 27.000 tons into other products. Nearly 90.000 tons of potatoes came from imports, which is 32,5% of the total. That is less than the average of 2018 (36,6%) and 2017 (39%).