Potato market still looking for the light switch

Belgapom quoted €7,50 today with a weak mood. That actually says everything about the current potato market: more than enough stock and only a few buyers who are active.

Clearing inferior qualities
Batches of potatoes of inferior quality or with a 'story' are already being cleared away to the cattle feed or the digesters. The good potatoes of the right variety and quality will eventually all end up in the fryer, but a revival of the market seems increasingly out of reach.

Transition without worries
Where there were concerns last year about the connection of the old to the new harvest, there is now no planner at the processors who is concerned about this. Early potatoes in the various areas (including the Pfalz, Rheinland and Bordeaux) seem to be ten to fourteen days earlier than the five-year average and three to four weeks earlier than last year, despite the dry period. In addition, the kilos also seem to be lower, with a difference between irrigated and non-irrigated plots. But even then it will ensure a smooth transition.

Prevent bulldozing
It would be good for the market if processors start the new harvest earlier so as not to create a bulldozer effect in the market again and thus drive the price to the bottom at the beginning of the season. The early area also does not seem much smaller than in previous years, so if half a truck more comes from every hectare, that will have a direct impact on the price and demand in the market.

wetness
Significant rainfall is also expected in the various early growing areas in the coming weeks, which will not contribute to the mood in potato country.