1) MARKET OVERVIEW

The European potato market remains under structural pressure due to high production and weak demand. Record harvests and large stocks led to a significant price decline and market imbalance in 2025.

At the same time, cultivation areas and processing capacities in the EU have expanded significantly, which can lead to surpluses if sales markets do not keep pace.

In the global context, processing and the frozen potato market will continue to grow in the long term, driven by demand from the food service and convenience sectors, despite short-term price weakness.

2) PRICE DEVELOPMENT

Germany (producers/wholesalers):

• Table potatoes approx. 15-22 €/dt producer price depending on region/grading.

• NRW producer prices approx. 16 €/dt across variety types.

Industrial potatoes / futures market:

• Hardly any movement on the cash market and futures market; prices largely unchanged recently.

3) SUPPLY SITUATION

The EU has recently produced very high volumes, supported by increased acreage and above-average yields close to record levels.

High stocks from good harvests are currently increasing supply pressure on the domestic market.

4) WHOLESALE

Wholesale and producer prices are stable at a low level, with no clear upward impetus.

Unchanged prices in important EU reference markets confirm the sideways phase.

5) INDUSTRY

European processing remains large: around 7.5 million tons of potatoes are processed.

In the long term, the frozen potato market will continue to expand, with rising demand and growing intra-EU integration.

In the short term, however, processors are under pressure from oversupply and weaker demand.

6) EXPORT

EU potato exports (extra-EU) recently amounted to around 1.1 million tonnes with a focus on seed and table potatoes.

Export volumes of processed products have recently fallen slightly (~-1.8 %), while new competitors are gaining market share.

7) DEMAND

Demand in Europe remains subdued in the short term, particularly in the processing and frieze segment.

In the long term, however, structural growth in the frozen and convenience segments will support the market.

8) CONCLUSION

Bullish | Bullish:

• Long-term growth in demand for frozen and convenience products.

• Large processing base in Europe stabilizes basic demand.

Bearish | Bearish:

• Oversupply, high inventories and weak demand depress prices.

• Expanded cultivation areas increase structural supply pressure.