With just under three months to go, the final scenario as seen last season does not seem obvious. Then the potato market rose to even €60 per 100 kilos (for example Belgapom and Reka quotations week 27 for Fontane and Challenger), the question is what the market picture will show in the coming months.
The current market has been feeling a bit strange for some time now, with an average market price based on the various EU-4 quotations remaining around the level of €37,50 for weeks without really many transactions (see PAT list ) are reported. The possible upcoming dip when Belgapom recorded a 'lacklustre' performance in week 12 ultimately did not occur.
The potato market has been showing an almost straight line in terms of price formation for weeks. A dynamic export market could possibly lead to an increase, but unlike last year, this is not the case. A somewhat lower market price for French fries potatoes could easily be the case given the limited competition from the export segment, and yet it does not happen. According to insiders, the somewhat later spring could also play a role. But still... given the processing figures versus the potatoes reportedly still in stock, there is little reason to be optimistic for the coming months.
Sponge
So how the market will develop is the big question. The processors seem to be filling themselves up like a sponge with raw material with which they are further building up the stock of end product towards the summer. So if things become more exciting than it looks today until the 2024/25 season starts, it seems that the processors have sufficiently covered themselves; they fully intend not to bump their heads a second time. Several growers seem to be getting their money's worth and not waiting for last season's scenario (€40,00 and more) as a market may also show a price decline.