In Belgium and France, the potato market is as solid as a rock. In the Netherlands, as is well known, we have no official potato quotation. If something happens, it has to come from our eastern neighbours. They don't need to be told twice.
Sitting in the processor's backyard as a grower is apparently not rewarded. There is considerable processing capacity in Belgium and France, but with a Belgapom and RNM listing of €12,50 for Fontane, they are dangling at the bottom in terms of price. But hey, they still have a listing there.
In Germany, a completely different approach is being taken. Fontane was increased by €1,50 to €15 today and the top of the Innovator market rose by €2 to €23. It is therefore thanks to Germany that the DCA Spot Price for French Fries Potatoes is taking a step up. Compared to last week, the price has increased by €1,20 to €15,35 per 100 kilos. This means that the DCA Spot Price is €0,15 higher than the first cash settlement of this season.
That Germany is taking the lead in the EU-4 listings is remarkable if you look at the course of the growing season. Not only has the area expanded, the yields are also good on average. Just over a month ago, the German Ministry of Agriculture announced that it was counting on the largest potato harvest since 2004. The current stock as of November 1 is 12% larger than last season, according to insiders. These are usually not the ingredients for a rising market. However, the reasoning in Germany is that there should be sufficient demand in the Netherlands and especially Belgium later in the storage season, which justifies an optimistic view of the market.