Starch company Royal Avebe's performance in the 2024-2025 season is better than expected. The performance indicator is above the level of recent years and is also higher than anticipated.
After years of parking or surrendering shares in the starch group, the company is now reporting stabilization. Moreover, there is growth in Germany. This indicates increasing confidence among starch potato growers in the cooperative. According to the company, this is also important for achieving a stable raw material supply, which is essential for further growth.
Avebe's performance price rose to a new record this year, at €136,79 per tonne. This also surpasses the 2022-2023 performance, when this key indicator for the cooperative reached €133,34 per tonne. For the cooperative, this means further steps have been taken to create greater value for its members.
The performance indicator consists of potato revenue and net profit divided by the volume of potatoes delivered by members on shares. The price is calculated based on a starch content of 19%, which equates to a submerged weight of 470 grams.
The cooperative's profit for the 2024-2025 season was €5,1 million, double the previous season's. In 2022-2023, this result was considerably higher (four times higher) at €20,8 million. Net revenue fell by 2% last season to €766 million, while the operating profit halved to €16,3 million.
The number of growers supplying Avebe decreased by 3,7% last year to 1.864. This decline is much smaller than in the previous two seasons. In the 2022-2023 season, the number of growers decreased by more than 9%, followed a year later by a 5% decline.
Cooperative stronger than ever
Despite fluctuating customer buying behavior and increased market uncertainty, Fousert sees a cooperative stronger than ever. "Last year, we saw stable demand in the markets where Avebe operates. Sales volumes remained stable, and within the value-added segments we strategically target, we're seeing our market share increase."
Avebe is on the right track, concludes the CEO. "We can look back on a solid year with justifiable pride. We are able to put our strategy into practice and create added value. Accelerated growth: the ambition of our Strengthen and Accelerate strategy, was certainly achieved this financial year. This gives us confidence for the future."