Shortage of potatoes inhibits French processing

The figures published by the French processing organization GIPT show that 1 tons of potatoes were processed in the current processing season until February 776.000. That is 34% less than was the case a season earlier, when more than 800.000 tons of potatoes were still processed. That was a record, by the way. In December, processing was 14% lower, while approximately the same amount was processed in January.

Bought a third fewer free potatoes
Three quarters of the potatoes used are contracted. Good for 585.000 tons, which is 4% less than the previous season. It is noticeable, especially in the volume of free potatoes, that the industry is short of raw materials. A third less was purchased by the factories, good for 57.000 tons.

In addition, 134.000 tons of potatoes were imported, mainly from Belgium. This volume is a quarter more than was imported last season and the largest volume since the 2016/17 season.

Stable price level
The French RNM quotation has shown the same prices of €30 for Fontane and other varieties for four weeks in a row. Innovator is rewarded slightly better at €30,50. It is striking that the price is so stable while there is clearly demand for potatoes. Probably more potatoes will not be released at higher prices, because they are simply not available. It is also possible that the product is used sparingly because it still needs to be processed for at least four months.

The French ware potato area remained stable last year at 154.200 hectares. Due to a 7% smaller hectare yield of 39,2 tons - the lowest in the EU-4 - the final production amounted to 6 million tons of potatoes, 12% less than in 2021 and 7,6% less than the five-year average. Given the approach of the contracts and the increased processing capacity, especially in Belgium, there is a good chance that it will area increases this year.