The seed potato export may not be too bad this season. On Friday 22 January, the Dutch Potato Organization (NAO) will announce new export figures. A number of parties in the market are already taking an advance on this data.
The long-distance export of Dutch seed potatoes is now largely behind us and the picture is clear variable. Some parties indicate that due to the lower seed potato price, there is relatively high demand for seed potatoes from the Netherlands. However, the differences between countries are quite large. For example, an insider reports less demand from Algeria, but the high demand from Morocco made up for that. On average, exports do not seem to be much lower than last season.
Export within Europe
Exports to Southern Europe are starting to get going. Reasonable volumes have already been sold, but much of the trade in this region only takes place in the months of February and March. The vaccination campaign against the coronavirus seems to be improving sentiment among growers. The demand for varieties suitable for fresh fries in the catering industry may therefore increase.
Demand from Eastern Europe also seems to be good. On average, sales so far are slightly lower than in 2020. Negotiations are still ongoing with Russia about the export of seed potatoes. Nothing can yet be said about the outcomes of this consultation.
Contracting has started
The processing industry has cautiously started contracting potatoes for the 2021 harvest. The recovery of the futures market may be a sign that there will be more demand for potatoes towards the end of the season. A major decline in the chip potato area is not expected for 2021. If the measures surrounding the corona crisis are relaxed during the course of the year, demand will increase again. It is quite conceivable that the industry wants to continue operating with (cheap) old potatoes for as long as possible and that this will result in somewhat less demand for early chip varieties.