Despite a slight dip in production due to weather conditions, the new potato season is off to a strong start. "The market is clean, with no leftover stock from the previous season and no early potatoes," says Francisco Moya, Managing Director of the Vitalis network, sharing his early observations as the season begins.
Towards "slightly less generous" yields? 
"Some expected a bumper crop, but that might not be the case," Moya notes. "We're seeing a difference between potatoes planted earlier and those planted later." This variation is likely to impact all production regions in France. Early plantings have shown very good yields, but those sown later, due to rain, are now struggling with dry, hot weather, affecting growth and potential yields. "We might see slightly lower yields at the end of the cycle, but there's no cause for concern," Moya reassures. "We're still in the observation phase, and much can change before harvest. In about ten days, we'll have a clearer picture of yields and storage capacity."
This season's situation contrasts with the previous one, where prolonged periods of dry and wet weather created challenges. "Despite last season's shortfall and high prices, we met demand, supplied factories, and continued exports. I'm confident about the weeks ahead," Moya affirms 
Normal summer consumption
Regarding the market, Moya mentions, "Sales dipped slightly at times during the summer, but that's typical since hot weather doesn't favour potato consumption. The market will rebound, as it does every year, with the arrival of autumn."
The open market is currently "less active," and the industrial market is quieter than last year, which is expected given last season's deficit. "Manufacturers are a bit less energetic, but that's normal since they've secured their contracts. Slightly lower industrial prices don't indicate a declining market."
As for the fresh market, particularly exports, "sales are already underway in southern European countries like Spain, Portugal, and Italy. We'll have a better sense of the industry's outlook in mid-September," Moya concludes, referencing the upcoming Potato Europe trade show on September 11-12 in Villers-Saint-Christophe.
For more information:
Francisco Moya
Réseau Vitalis
Tel: +33 3 87 92 42 33
[email protected]