From the new storage season, Belgapom will only use a potato price for Fontane and Challenger. In addition, an observation and mood poll applies to Innovator and Marquis. Bintje is no longer taken. According to CEO Christophe Vermeulen, this decision reflects the Belgian potato market, where the Fontane variety accounts for half.
While Bintje was once the Belgian favorite, the 117-year-old potato variety has now also fallen out of favor with our southern neighbors. At least, in the professional potato trade for French fries processing. The variety has ended up in a niche segment and is therefore no longer listed by Belgapom.
Challenger increasingly important
Fontane and Challenger are the two official varieties that Belgapom brings along every Friday morning. "Fontane covers more than half of the Belgian potato area," says Vermeulen. "In addition, Challenger is taking an increasingly important share. That is why the Belgapom board has unanimously decided to list both varieties in the 2022-2023 season." This must concern potatoes for the processing of frozen potato products, field crops in the size 35 millimeters upwards, suitable for fries and for immediate delivery loose to the car.
In addition, Belgapom makes so-called observations. That happens for Marquis and Innovator. This observation is not a mandatory implementation and depends on the market. Bintje is not observed because, according to Vermeulen, there is too little movement in this market.
The quotation of September 16 is once again €25 per 100 kilos for both Fontane and Challenger. The ranking has been extremely stable since the start of this season.