Bintje disappoints
Romain continues, "The quality of Bintje this season leaves much to be desired. Free market prices for the Bintje and other varieties (Fontane and Challenger) grew further apart at the end of 2015." According to Romain, it is difficult to predict how much this will impact the growing area for Bintje potatoes this season, "There is a real chance that some Bintje growers will choose to grow other varieties. But Belgian consumers still prefer the taste of Bintje potatoes for their fries and croquettes."
Free market
Free market
According to the Romain, the free market is performing below expectations, "The total yield was higher than initially estimated. Several services had to adjust their statistics over the course of the season." Romain finds the lack of accurate statistical information striking, "The question is, is it not better to make this information public at a later time, instead of launching unsubstantiated figures at the start of the season."
Potato market at a turning point
Romain continues, "We must be aware that after New Year's we are at a traditional turning point in the season. The industry continues to run at full capacity and much will depend on potential export opportunities in the coming weeks. The weather conditions in the coming months will also effect market development. The export side expects new demand due to a possible cold front in Central and Eastern Europe. For us, a late spring can effect the upcoming harvests' plant conditions. You also have traders and processors in Belgium working to seal their contracts for next year." He continues, "As always, the potato market is dependent on so many different factors. Therefore, it is wrong to say that the 2015-2016 season is already over."