In the case of early table potatoes, Dutch, Italian and French imports were available in addition to the dominant domestic potatoes. In Frankfurt, Spanish goods were also available. According to the BLE, availability was generally sufficient to cover demand.
Quotations often remained at the previous level. In some cases, however, traders were able to increase their demands. Concessions were very rare and mainly concerned smaller offers. There were no more large stocks of ware potatoes. Sales proceeded calmly. Prices did not change significantly.
Schleswig-Holstein
The supply of local early potatoes is still limited. The potatoes harvested in this country are still not completely firm in their skin. Thus, food retailers are still buying potatoes from Lower Saxony that are firm in the skin. In addition, only a few imported early potatoes are still expanding the assortment. Due to the limited supply and a demand that can only just be met, prices remain at a comparatively high level.
The rainfall of the past few days has been good for harvesting conditions and plant development: the early tubers can currently be harvested with little damage and the later varieties have good development conditions. In this country, the potato beetle infestation is comparatively high. The need for two to three pesticide treatments is reported. In addition, Alternaria solani affects the quality in some fields.
North Rhine-Westphalia
The supply of firm-skinned early potatoes for consumption is increasing in North Rhine-Westphalia. Packaging of larger quantities for the food retail trade from next week. First quotation for loose, firm-skinned food potatoes. Few changes on the industrial market. Good marketing opportunities expected for early industrial potatoes.
Despite holidays and high temperatures, firm-skinned early potatoes from the Rhineland are currently selling well. Only predominantly waxy varieties are being slowed down somewhat by imports, reports Weuthen. The early potato regions of the Palatinate, Breisgau and Lower Saxony also report good sales.
Rhineland-Palatinate
The potato market remains largely balanced at a low level. Supply is not pressing and meets quiet demand. Firm-skinned goods are in demand. In direct sales, prices above 2.50 €/kg are being called for small packages. Free packer producer prices were down, more so in the south of the reporting area than in the north.