The Belgian potato stock was at a higher than average level at the beginning of February. Only after the record harvest in 2017, the stock (early 2018) was even higher. PCA calculates this after a survey among growers in Flanders and Wallonia.
On February 1, 2,4 million tons of potatoes were still in stock. This is 56% of the total production and therefore equal to previous years. In absolute figures, the level is 190.000 higher (or 9%) compared to the 5-year average.
No record
In February 2018, 400.000 more tonnes of product were in Belgian storage sheds. This is due to the abundant potato harvest of 2017. The stock level in Wallonia and Flanders is approximately the same.
The potatoes in stock are mainly tons on contract. The 5-year free stock is 34% lower than the average for early February. This corresponds to 820.000 tons. A year earlier that was just under 19%, due to the very small harvest at the time. The free stock fluctuates greatly because it depends on the total harvest. The stock of contract potatoes, on the other hand, is more stable and reflects the area. There are more free potatoes in stock in Flanders than in the French-speaking neighbors.
Fontane and Challenger
More than half of all storage potatoes are Fontane. That was only a quarter 5 years ago. The free stock of Fontane is the highest ever. The second variety is Challenger, with 10% of the total stock and also a record in free kilos. Innovator is at number 3. Bintje obviously shows a significant decline due to a smaller acreage and a disappointing harvest. This is a breed with many free tons.
Belgian processors and buyers removed more than 1 million tons of potatoes between the time of harvest and February 2020, 2. This includes 350.000 tons of early potatoes. This volume is comparable to the 5-year average, which is 60.000 tons higher. The sales of 800.000 tons of potatoes between harvest and mid-November can also be called ordinary. A striking number of lots of Fontane and Challenger were delivered during that period, PCA notes.
Another 1 tons were delivered between mid-November and February 890.000, which also represents 36% of the free kilos. This means that sales have been slower than average. This applies to both contracted and free potatoes. Once again many Fontane's were delivered and slightly fewer Challenger and Innovator.
Excellent quality
PCA's own sampling shows that the quality at Fontane is very good. The frying color is - also in other varieties - fine. Germination and hardness can also be described as perfect. Weight losses are sometimes slightly higher due to more ventilation after the wet harvest.
The Belgian stock figures give a different sound than recent reports. In Poland the harvest is again negative corrected and also the British potato stock is considerably lower.