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Bavaria:

"We would need a mark-up of around 5-6 EUR/100kg to somewhat cover our costs"

Potato yields in the Free State of Bavaria are said to be somewhat lower this year. "Unfortunately, there has been water damage in Central Bavaria several times this year. Otherwise, snails and wireworm infestation are particularly troublesome for our farmers. At the same time, the quality requirements for table potatoes on the part of food retailers continue to be very high. The goods must not have any pressure marks or the like. In contrast, the current price development is rather disappointing," summarizes Matthias Stelzer, owner of the potato wholesale business of the same name in Königsmoos.

Currently, the producer prices for regionally produced table potatoes are well below the level of the same period last year. Stelzer: "From the producer's perspective, this is too low in relation to the high costs and risk. In fact, the price should be higher due to the losses. The fact that early potatoes are generally better valued than the storage potatoes that we need for the rest of the year is, in my opinion, counterproductive and also a sign that our work is not sufficiently appreciated by the food retailing industry. We have also noticed that the mood among producers is rather gloomy."


The Stelzer company is mainly dedicated to the procurement and marketing of waxy and primarily waxy potatoes. In addition to regional customers, some ware potatoes are also exported abroad.

Early end of season expected
Due to the relatively modest yields, Stelzer expects the season to end early. "In the packing and peeling area, it will already be critical from April onwards; quantities for export will probably only be available until mid-March. On the other hand, it may well be that we will still be offering regional ware potatoes to the wholesale markets well into June. In recent years, the wholesale markets have always tried to offer local ware potatoes for as long as possible, while new potatoes from Egypt and other Mediterranean countries mainly served as a gap filler."


Stelzer's customers in Germany include wholesale markets and peeling plants. Bernina (waxy) and Gala (primarily waxy) varieties continue to be the most popular.

Many farmers are annoyed that the risks and costs during storage are not adequately considered by the food retail industry. "If the food retail industry wants to continue to offer domestic ware potatoes from September to May, they would have to accommodate us with appropriate storage surcharges." Due to better regulations and contracts, many producers are already focusing on French fries instead of table potatoes. This is also reflected in the distribution of acreage: the cultivation of French fries has been growing strongly for several years, while the cultivation of table potatoes is declining. "You would basically need a premium of around EUR 5-6 per 100 kilograms to cover the costs to some extent," says Stelzer.


View of the potato wholesaler's headquarters in Königsmoos in central Bavaria.

Importance of potato exports
Due to its geographical location, among other things, exports have played an important role in the Bavarian potato industry for decades. Exports to Italy have been somewhat restrained this year, while steady, high demand can be observed in Eastern Europe. "However, demand is particularly high for large-sized tubers, while this year we have proportionately more small-sized tubers." The potato wholesaler is somewhat critical of the future for both the domestic market and for export. "Due to the bureaucracy and the general conditions, many potato farms are already giving up. However, one must not forget that it is precisely the medium-sized companies that usually produce the best quality," warns Stelzer in conclusion.

For more information:
Matthias Stelzer
Siegfried Stelzer e.K.
Ehekirchener Str. 23
86669 Königsmoos
Tel. 08433/226
stelzer.siegfried@t-online.de