After a decline, European open-market potato prices are stabilizing. The Frozen Fries Index stayed steady last week, as per DCA Market Intelligence.
DCA Market Intelligence reports a slight decrease in its Open Market Index, closing at €481.20 per ton in week 11, a drop of €12 from the previous week. The 70/30 Index was reduced by €4, while the Fastfood Index was unchanged.
The DCA EU-4 Potato Index decreased to €361.09 per ton, calculated with 55% processing efficiency, marking its lowest level in 12 weeks. Fontane potato prices, the most grown variety for French fry production in the EU-4 region, have seen a decline. Belgium recorded the lowest prices at €168.80 per ton, and the Netherlands the highest at €266.30 per ton, a difference of €97.50 or 37%.
This price drop, 39% over four weeks, is due to early spring, a slowdown in French fry exports, and a positive harvest in the EU-4 countries last autumn. However, varieties like Innovator and Agria remain scarce.
By the end of last week, European potato processors showed increased interest in open-market potatoes, submitting tenders and purchasing lots. With 15 weeks until the new crop, market developments will influence whether the Frozen Fries Index stabilizes or declines in the short term.
Source: Potato News Today