Heavy rain and its consequences largely marked the first few months of the Belgian potato season. However, the frost after the New Year was the real blow for some of the harvest. "Though that part was significantly lower than initially feared. We can now assume that about five percent is still in the ground and can be considered lost. Still, it gives peace of mind that things are now clear, and we can look ahead," begins Jurgen Duthoo of Warnez Potatoes.
“That share managed to rise from 15 to 20%. The five percent remains a significant share, but the market now has a clearer picture. It's also assumed that the largest lost share was destined for the industry. Especially free potato growers can now quantify stocks and sale suitability. There could, thus, be more supply on the free market. Yet, many growers still expect prices to rise in the coming period, so how things will develop for the rest of the season remains to be seen."
Few good suitable batches for cleaning
That means free potato prices remain high. "Ware potato orders have increased again in recent weeks. But, it will be challenging to find good batches of washed table potatoes. There was stress during the growing season and difficulties with harvesting, resulting in more potatoes with slight discoloration, damage, or even some scab. I also hear this from growers in France. The visual aspect of the supply retail often wants is therefore not readily evident. It remains a supply and demand process, so this shortage means growers predict the nice lots to have some leeway in the time ahead," says Jurgen.
Good demand
In that regard, the upcoming Fruit Logistica in Berlin is a good barometer, he says. The potato export market demand has genuinely taken off since December. "There's plenty of demand from Southern and Eastern Europe. That's partly because they have slightly less local supply. The Belgian supply is thus getting more attention. It's generally a good time to determine where demand is coming from and what we can expect in the coming months. After Fruit Logistica, how things stand on the potato market will become clear.
"Local market demand remains fairly stable, too. There, the dynamic in the popularity of segments like meal boxes is changing more and more. That trend was set some time ago and keeps developing strongly. Convenience now plays a part in almost all aspects of the food sector, and potatoes are no exception. We'll, thus, continue responding to that in our process for the future," Jurgen concludes.
Warnez Potatoes will also be present at the upcoming Fruit Logistica. You can find them in Hall 27, stand A-60.
For more information:
Jurgen Duthoo
Warnez Potatoes
2L Marialoopsesteenweg
8700, Tielt, Belgium
Tel: +32 (0) 514 00 812
[email protected]
www.warnezpotatoes.be