Kartoffeln News, 05/05/2023

Fried potatoes are still wanted. In Germany and Belgium in particular, however, there are reports of a very small available offer. Since the plantings for the coming early potato harvest have been delayed and this could result in a supply gap, factories in all countries are on the lookout. Planting out is now progressing much better. The weather is dry in almost all of Germany and most of the early varieties are now in the ground. In Belgium, unlike in Germany, prices are not picking up again today. However, last week's price jump has meant that producers who previously held back goods are now more active on the market and are offering free quantities. But the offer remains very manageable. In addition, potato growers are currently very busy with field work for planting and have little time to market their last tubers. The planting of the last early varieties should be completed in Belgium early next week. Occasionally lighter rains this week have restricted work locally. There was no trading on the EEX until noon.The June contract still stands at EUR 41.90/t and is therefore somewhat weaker than the day before. Bid and ask are far apart in the order book today. The food market remains balanced. In some regions, the prices have dropped somewhat. Smaller surcharges can be enforced for top-quality goods. The stocks in Lower Saxony are cleared further. So far, the asparagus business has not provided any impetus. More and more potatoes from Egypt can be found on the shelves of supermarkets, and from the end of May Spanish goods are also increasingly expected.