The corona pandemic has brought considerable imbalance to the logistics chain. For example, the prices for transport by sea have gone upside down several times and the transport sector on land has struggled with personnel shortages. The French potato market is also affected by this. More often than not, sales orders cannot be delivered or delivered on time.
There is nothing to complain about the export of French potatoes for consumption. Insiders report that more than 543.000 tons have already crossed the borders at the end of November, an increase of 10% compared to last year. Eastern Europe stands out the most - with a plus of no less than 506%. Greece follows, with an increase of 139%. The industry is currently running at full capacity, with virtually no problems having arisen recently as a result of the deteriorated situation surrounding the coronavirus. This combination creates a 'confident market environment', according to the potato growers' association in the country.
Problems with transportation
This does not mean that it is all 'cookie-cutter'. The logistical chaos on the global market does have an effect on all those shipments, insiders report. In the northeast of France, the sale of table potatoes is reported to be in a difficult situation. Sales orders are currently regularly postponed because trucks are late (or sometimes not available at all). The driver shortage is also a reason why shipments cannot be sent on time, especially in the Beauce region. And then sellers also have to deal with a lack of 'corrugated cardboard' to protect loads against frost.
At the same time, demand from Portugal is being held back somewhat by rising fuel prices. These 'setbacks' in costs naturally push sales prices up slightly. Otherwise there will be no more margin to be achieved. Prices for table potatoes are now quoted in a range of €17 to €23 per tonne. Spain and Italy currently require standard quality of the Caesar, Agata, Liberta or Monalisa varieties, at prices ranging from €18 to a maximum of €20 per tonne. People are willing to pay a little more for top quality, up to €26 per tonne.