Normally, the processing industry makes the transition to new potatoes during this period. This season is clearly a different story.
The cold spring has significantly delayed the development of the early potatoes. But the long-term changeable weather is also playing tricks on the potato crop before the start of the new season. Besides the fact that the kilos are still only moderately under, the underwater weights seem to be a problem. With barely 300 owg it is difficult to fry fries and therefore the potatoes are not yet suitable for processing.
Being able to keep the ball under water
They were able to keep the ball under water for a long time, but now it seems to float to the surface. The last free growers with potatoes in the shed received a call from buyers in recent days asking them to do business. Business has now been done for €13 per 100 kilos. A clear step up compared to, for example, the Belgapom listing of Friday 9 July. It is suggested in the corridors that Belgapom could take a step up before next Friday.
Many factories had already taken into account the processing of old potatoes up to and including week 30. But as it stands now, in many cases the early potatoes are not ready for processing. Continuing with the old harvest for even longer seems to be the only option, creating renewed demand for old harvest potatoes.
Ice water through the veins
Growers who still have free potatoes of good quality must have ice water running through their veins and a good sense of how the game should be played. When demand arises, the telephone is often 'switched off' and the barn door closed, which can lead to even higher market prices in the upcoming situation.
It is also striking that apparently the stocks of end products in the cold stores of the various processors disappear like snow in the sun. So they cannot sit back (read: tap from sufficient supplies). It would then be logical to report to the last growers who still have potatoes.
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Boerenbusiness organizes a round table discussion at the beginning of September about the future of potato cultivation and the chip market. Prominent companies in the sector are joining us. Do you have questions for the experts on this subject? Send them to before August 25th d.ballast@boerenbusiness. Nl