The leap day in February this year is not visible in the figures for Dutch potato processing. In fact: for the third month in a row, fewer potatoes were processed into potato products compared to last season
In February, 318.500 tons of potatoes were processed, according to figures from the Association for the Potato Processing Industry (Vavi). Last year this month, 334.300 tons were rushed through the factories. The five-year average for February is 316.800 tons. The Dutch processors were just above that. Of the processed potatoes, 129.800 tons came from abroad. That is relatively much. Only in the 2016 crop year were more potatoes imported in February.
The processing efficiency is on the low side at 53,1%. The five-year average is 54,3%. Last month, 140.700 tons of pre-fried fries and 28.500 tons of other products were produced. That is the lowest production since August.