For the third season in a row French chicory root acreage has decreased. It now reaches 8,990 hectares, down 2% compared to last year and 11% compared to the five year average. 2016-2017 root production is estimated at 237,000 tons, down 8% compared to 2015-2016 and 16% below the five year average.
The Ministry of Agriculture estimates chicory head production to reach 155,700 tons over the 2016-2017 season, 7% below the previous year and 13% below the 2011-2015 average. The warm weather in September was not favourable to chicory consumption and prices decreased. The Minister explains that yield was not satisfactory when the old roots were forced, waiting for the new harvest to begin. The lack of volume then led to prices increasing in October and November.
Prices plummeted as of December but remained above the 2011-2015 average. The cold weather in January and February was good for consumption and prices were stronger in February. The return of milder weather at the end of the sinter led to a decrease in prices in March which was further accentuated in April. Production was much bigger than the demand which began to turn to seasonal products. In May the producers started adjusting the offer.