Fontane sprints after Innovator

This means that in mid-December 2024, Fontane was barely paid for €20 per 100 kilos, while less than a month later it had risen to €27. Although the substantiation of the prices is a story in itself, the number of reported transactions is very limited.

However, it can be said about the current market that, although there are still problem batches, a large part has now been processed and that people are ready for the qualitatively better batches. This is reflected in the processing yields. Of course, there is plenty of tapping from the stock of contract potatoes, but growers are determined and therefore more persistent when it comes to the negotiations of the free and the co-delivered potatoes.

Lack of transactions
Recent weeks have shown that, partly due to the lack of transactions, the various quotations in the EU-4 countries lagged behind the market. Growers asked and received more than was quoted, which did not benefit the credibility of the quotations.

Fontane has made the biggest catch-up compared to the other varieties in recent weeks. Fontane was the 'worst kid in the class' in recent months and at one point was €15 behind in price, especially Innovator. Both potato varieties are still used to make fries!

This week in Belgium (Viaverda and Belgapom) and France (RNM) Fontane and Challenger were quoted unchanged at €25, the mood in the market was described as 'solid'. Growers also reported via the Transaction App that €27 is paid for Fontane, delivery January. The price difference with Innovator has dropped back to less than €10. 

Bags not an issue
There are few arguments to think of for the coming period that the potato market could decline. The undertone is fixed, and the delivery rate remains high. What strengthens the market in particular is the fact that in many cases the net number of tons when delivering the potatoes is disappointing. With this information, we look at the two previous seasons when €60 in week 24 was the final destination.