Kartoffeln News, 12/15/2023

Even in the second week of this December, little changed in the situation on the market for tubers. Prices are described by market participants as largely stable - no major jumps are expected until the start of the new year. At the same time, more and more special promotions from food retailers are intended to arouse consumers' interest and thus give retail more dynamism. Export business has recently picked up slightly again and is overall at a seasonal level. On the market for the frit raw material, the situation in the Netherlands and Belgium in particular has calmed down, despite the deforestation still pending. Market participants say that this special situation has now largely been priced in. The frost and snow in particular are still hindering work in the fields. The quality of the potatoes also seems to be suffering under the conditions. The lots have to be sorted much more laboriously and often also have to be washed. According to the producers, there is hardly any shelf life left. Free lots are almost non-existent on the markets anymore. The factories are currently concentrating on processing the contract goods.Export business with processing potatoes has recently declined again due to the limited availability, especially to southern and eastern Europe.