After a weak September for potato processing, the pace has increased in October. Records are not broken, but the processing figures of the Dutch industry are coming more in line with the five-year average.
Last month, the Dutch industry processed 343.900 tons of potatoes, according to new figures from the Association for the Potato Processing Industry (Vavi). The five-year average for October is slightly higher at 348.120 tons and last year this month 326.500 tons were processed. Almost half (47,7%) of the potatoes processed in October came from abroad. In absolute numbers, this amounts to 164.200 tons compared to 135.300 tons from imports last year. In total, 922.600 tons of potatoes have been processed this season up to and including October. This is the lowest processing rate since 2010.
In total, 150.100 tons of pre-fried chips were made and 26.300 tons of other frozen potato products. The processing yield is therefore 51,3%. That is relatively low, especially for this time of year. The five-year average processing yield for October is 53,6%.