Kartoffeln News, 05/26/2023

According to the latest assessments by the Chambers of Agriculture and various farmers' associations, potato stocks are significantly lower than last year. In particular, there are between 57 and 70% less goods in the warehouses for processing tubers, which corresponds to around 130,000 tons. The main reason for the current developments is the high demand for chips and processed potato products. The factories are producing at full speed and can hardly keep up with demand. This could result in supply bottlenecks, especially with a view to the new, much later harvest. A similar market situation can also be seen in neighboring countries. Potatoes are scarce in Belgium, the Netherlands and France and are accordingly marketed quickly. The warehouses have been largely cleared, particularly in Belgium. Meanwhile, it is reported from the Benelux that planting is in full swing and around 60% of the fields have now been cultivated. Producers are currently hoping for suitable weather in the coming weeks to make up for at least part of the growth delays.According to estimates by market participants, ware potatoes will be traded more frequently before the long weekend. Even if the missing domestic goods are replaced by imported goods right here. The producers are trying to find customers for the remaining storage tubers as soon as possible, since the quality of the potatoes is constantly deteriorating. Prices are stable to slightly firmer.