French fry group Farm Frites is proposing to offer growers higher discounts for batches with quality defects. The group is doing this to prevent a large number of rejections from leading to additional costs and uncertainty in the supply chain to factories.
The French fry manufacturer has determined that the number of tuber damage and quality defects during storage is significantly higher than expected. To prevent this from leading to major processing problems, the manufacturer is proposing to adjust its purchasing conditions accordingly for 2025.
Growers are asked to agree within five days to ensure rapid clarity on whether the proposed method can be implemented. Farm Frites aims to implement the amendment on December 1st. For growers who do not agree, the terms and conditions stipulated in the contract will continue to apply.
Strict adherence to the purchasing conditions for the 2025 harvest would lead to many rejections based on this year's quality, according to Farm Frites. Without alternatives, this would again lead to additional costs for suppliers to take back rejected potatoes. Factories are also faced with the problem of disrupted supply.
Point total
To ensure smooth supply and processing, Farm Frites intends to increase the discount this season if the total score for quality defects exceeds 200. Below that point, there will be no discount. The discount will increase to €125 per tonne if the total score exceeds 350.
An adjustment will also be made regarding the length of the tubers. The manufacturer notes that some varieties are insufficiently long. The company will not offer a discount for potatoes longer than 7,8 centimeters. For potatoes shorter than 7,5 centimeters, the proposal calls for a discount of €125 per ton.