The French fries variety Bintje is widely loved in Belgium, but the acreage has been declining sharply for years. It is therefore all the more striking that the variety currently ranks higher than Challenger and Fontane. How is it possible that a variety that is ‘nearly extinct’ is doing so well today in terms of price compared to the usual French fries varieties?
The price for Bintje will be a maximum of €5 per 100 kilos (PCA/Fiwap) in mid-September, with a minimum of €3 per 100 kilos. This variety performs better price-wise than other chip varieties. Fontane and Challenger arrive at a price of €3 per 100 kilos. According to several insiders, supply is limited due to low prices and difficult harvesting conditions due to the drought. Is that also the reason why Bintje is now performing better price-wise?
Balance in supply and demand
The most important explanation for the higher ranking of the Bintje variety is the fact that the supply has decreased considerably in recent years. Compared to 10 years ago, Bintje's share in the total Belgian market is only 3% to 4%. It is now difficult to find good Bintjes (with sufficient coarseness and that meet all quality requirements). In short: Bintje has actually become a niche product.
The fact that the supply has fallen so sharply in recent decades is mainly due to the sharp decline in the area. In the past, 70% to 80% of the Belgian consumption area consisted of Bintje, today this is only 10%. The cultivation of the variety involves more risks, compared to the cultivation of Fontane or Challenger. The latter varieties, for example, are more resistant to drought and changing climate conditions. As a result, the yields per hectare higher and the cultivation is 'more secure'. A reason for many growers to move away from Bintje. In the Netherlands, this has resulted in a sharp decline in the area of Bintje seed potatoes (see graph below).
However, the demand for Bintje remains there. Belgium is known for its 'frying culture': in every village you will find a chip shop and/or chip shop. The so-called 'friturists' swear by the Bintje variety. The combination of lower supply and constant demand ensures that a balance has finally been found in the market for Bintjes. The result: a higher rating than Fontane and Challenger, where demand is less constant.