Growers sometimes complain that quality is not sufficiently reflected in the price. Whether enough is paid remains a subject in itself, but a clear distinction is made between what the processors want and varieties that are less popular. It is not happening by leaps and bounds, but the DCA EU-4 Potato Index (formerly the DCA Spot Price for French Fries Potatoes) is also taking a step up this week.
The lack of a Dutch listing does not improve the transparency of the potato market. That does not mean that the market is not doing its job. Last week, Farm Frites caused a stir by issuing a tender in which €30 is offered for Innovators for delivery in December. That price is not reflected in the listings from Belgium, Germany and France that form the input for the Potato Index.
Reka posted higher prices across the board. Innovator rose by €2,50 to €27,50. Agria also gained €2,50, bringing it to €23,50. Fontane and Challenger lagged considerably behind at €17,50, an increase of €1,50. Fiwap/Viaverda raised the top of Fontane to €15 to €20. Innovator was kept the same. Belgapom remained unchanged at €15. RNM from France kept the prices for Fontane and Innovator the same. The upward trend of the Potato Index is weakening somewhat. The plus remained limited to €0,34. This brings the index to €17,70.