If you look at the number of transactions, you might think that the French fries potatoes are running out. However, then the processors would not be able to run and that is certainly not the case! In other words: there are certainly still potatoes in storage.
According to insiders, the potato processing industry is still going full steam ahead. However, it appears that the processors have sufficiently covered themselves for the coming weeks so that they do not have to enter the market. What is still being picked up in the current market - as evidenced by the input on the PAT list - are varieties that are less known, such as Arsenal and Cardyma. Which perhaps implies that, especially for free trade on the daily market, the supply of varieties such as Fontane and Innovator could only be very limited.
The look ahead
Processors focus more on purchasing potatoes for delivery after April, for example Marquis delivery in May at €33 or Fontane at €31,50. Little is heard of this trade and yet it must be done, after all, the chimney must be smoking by then. This difficulty in observing trade does not make it any easier to quote today. No trade means no transactions, which means difficult to record. However, it must of course be noted, otherwise the price reference will disappear and, for example, no cash settlement can be made. In short, a difficult matter that is no different even now that there is a clear story to report about the tight supply of potatoes in France, for example. It's interesting how the sector will tackle this problem when it comes to French fries potatoes. Or maybe it's not a problem. Time will tell us, let's take another look in March 2024!