Kartoffeln News, 12/22/2023

Packers are largely satisfied with sales this pre-Christmas week. In the south and east of Germany, prices have recently become somewhat firmer. For the most part, however, prices for food products have remained unchanged compared to the previous week. Trading activity will calm down in the coming week. For the new year, however, market participants continue to expect stable export demand from Eastern Europe and inter-regional shipments between North and South are also likely to continue at a high level. The pre-Christmas calm has already returned to the processing market. Closed contracts are processed. There is some supply pressure here from non-performing lots, which have recently come from the fields. In Belgium there is also a calming market trend. There are currently hardly any discussions about free goods. The processors currently show no additional need. These are well utilized with the contract goods as well as with lots that are currently still being picked up from the fields. The fact that many factories in Belgium stop production between the holidays could also be problematic for the potatoes that are yet to be cleared.The parts that are now being recovered also need to be washed. Frost damage is also reported. According to estimates, around 10 percent of the stocks still need to be removed from the ground. These are mainly in the west of the country. Belgapom is trading unchanged today. Reka in the Rhineland is also not adjusting its quotations today and continues to write them unchanged. Things remain noticeably quiet on the EEX. No contracts were traded this week.