The price recovery in the potato market in May has not stopped processors from reducing production. The processing rate is well above the five-year average. In fact, the record of May 2018 has been missed by a hair.
Last month, the Dutch industry processed 355.700 potatoes into pre-fried fries and other products, according to figures published today by the Association for the Potato Processing Industry (Vavi). That is 100 tons more than in April this year and almost a processing record for the month of May. Only in May 2017, slightly more potatoes were processed, at 357.400 tons. The five-year average for the month of May is 314.780 tons. Of course, there are two years in between in which corona has had a significant impact on the potato market.
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A total of 161.200 tons of pre-fried chips and 31.500 tons of other products were produced. The processing yield remained the same as in April at 54,2%. Of the processed potatoes, 29,9% or 106.300 tons came from abroad. Last year that percentage was 45,5%. The counter for processing the 2021 harvest now stands at 3.328.500 tons. Only in the 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 seasons, more potatoes were processed up to and including May.