The volume of processed French fries potatoes decreased in May. After months of stamping, is a shortage of potatoes finally being felt by the Dutch processors?
In the month of May, Dutch potato processors jointly cut 332.900 tons of consumption potatoes into fries (153.100 tons) and other potato products (28.600 tons). That is 6,4% less than a year ago. Good for 22.800 tons. This means that for the first time this season there will be a crack in the potato supply, which was running perfectly in a very tight season.
Above average volume
Should the processors be ashamed of the result in May? Certainly not. The total volume is still 2,5% above the five-year average, although that figure has been pulled down by the corona year 2020. Factories can be satisfied with a processing yield well above 54%. That is simply very good and one of the secrets that allows the potato train to keep going in a challenging year.
The Dutch processors do receive considerable support from Belgian and German potatoes. Imports have risen to almost 35%. Good for 116.000 tons of potatoes. A year ago that was just under a third of the total.
The season's total rose to 4 million tonnes with the May figures, compared to 3,96 million tonnes in the previous season.