The Dutch potato chain must quickly have a good and transparent potato quotation again. Hans Langereis, purchasing director for the Netherlands and Germany at McCain, made this call today (August 21) at the Potato Demonstration Day in Westmaas. He regrets that the PotatoNL quotations are now not available because there are discussions between growers and buyers about the procedure to be followed.
Langereis responded to a question from a grower at a seminar on the future of potato cultivation in the Netherlands. He indicated that he was concerned about transparent pricing of potatoes in the Netherlands now that PotatoNL is not listed. "I know that there are discussions and conversations going on and I very much hope that we will get there," Langereis responded. "In the countries around us, such as Germany and Belgium, it is also possible to establish listings, so why not in the Netherlands. There must be a solution for this. I am confident that it will work. "
Well-substantiated quotations
When asked, Tineke de Vries, chairman of LTO Akkerbouw, emphasized that growers need potato quotations that are substantiated by real transactions and are visible to everyone. "Transparent pricing is very important." Langereis, who was active in the dairy world before his position at McCain, was surprised by the price volatility in the potato market. "A few weeks ago, prices were still at €60, now around €15. That is very wild, I think it is a real risk compared to other sectors."
Langereis points out the free market for potatoes. "It is now just a little too thin, which increases the chance of strong price movements. However, I do hope that we can find a solution in the future to find more stability and peace in the market."