Potatoes News, 17th / May / 2024

According to a press release published yesterday by the Federal Statistical Office, potato cultivation in Germany is expected to increase. According to the statisticians, they expect a potato area of 275,400 hectares. This is an increase of 4 percent compared to the previous year. This development is surprising due to the scarce availability of seed potatoes.

On the processing market, the signs continue to point to a shortage towards the end of the season. In France, prices had already risen in the previous week, and factories are reportedly already buying at prices of EUR 45 per tonne for the end of the season in June. Statistical data from France show that processed volumes have increased significantly. Cumulatively, around 11 percent more potatoes have been processed since the beginning of the marketing year up to April 24. Belgapom is reporting stable prices of 40 euros/dt after the increase a week ago. The quantity of free produce is low here, and growers are also speculating on further price concessions from the factories. Plantings for the main crop have increased significantly. It is reported that around 35 percent of the planned areas have currently been planted. Planting of the early varieties has been completed. There was no trading on the EEX today. Bid and ask prices are far apart in both the June and April contracts. The EEX index rose significantly to 41.30 euros/dt.

The situation on the food market has hardly changed. Stocks of the old harvest are coming to an end. Some quantities are still expected, mainly in Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia, but there are not many left. Food retailers are switching to imported goods across the board. Planting has recently made better progress everywhere.