Agria's first new French fries harvest 'done'

The more than stable mood that has built up in recent months up to €60 per 100 kilos for Fontane, for example, seems to be extended to the new harvest for the time being. Insiders imagine themselves on some kind of big sea and wonder where the mainland can be seen (read: hardly anyone knows how to determine the market price of the new harvest). Nevertheless, on Friday July 14, a large volume of Agria 35 mm on, ex-land, delivery week 30 at €60 per 100 kilos was reported on the DCA Transaction App. So in that sense there is a 'hook' as to where the market price would be currently. The expectation is that, despite maintenance being carried out here and there in the factories, the price can remain at a more than high level in the coming weeks (anything above €35 is more than high!). Until at least August, the demand (need for raw materials)/supply ratio will be significantly out of balance.

Growth determines the mood
The fact is, however, that a new reality will emerge when the supply increases within a few weeks. What will happen to market price developments will be exciting. Although there is still little to do due to all the transitional issues surrounding the clearing on the potato futures market, the indicative quote for the April 2024 contract is between €30 and €35. Ultimately, the remainder of the growing season of the main harvest will determine the mood over the next eight to ten months. A tour of the fields shows that the potatoes in the EU-4 countries, except for a few growing areas (particularly in the Flevopolders and the south-west of the Netherlands), do not look that bad, but that a lot still needs to be done underground. The current weather is quite changeable, but there is still not much precipitation. However, if it really becomes summery again in August (read: warm and persistently dry), this will have a major effect on the further mood of the season. What market prices are associated with this? Whoever knows can shout it!