“All in all, it was a calm potato year," reflects Belgian potato wholesaler, Willy den Haese of R. & W. den Haese. "We had to deal with very few extreme price fluctuations. The difference between day and contract prices also remained reasonably small and stable."
"For me, as a trader, it was a calm, positive year with good quality potatoes. In contrast, the previous year was very tumultuous. That was a result of the low yields, high prices, and contracts that were made."
Grubbing was somewhat delayed due to the rain in the last harvest season. All of R. & W. den Haese's potatoes are, however, out of the ground. "I am looking forward to the new year. I expect a slight increase in day prices in the new year."
"This will not be because of demand from the industry. It will rather be because exports will get going. A lot of factories were closed during the festive season. Demand, therefore, usually decreases," continues Den Haese.
“I am positive about the new year. But, we must always keep the weather in mind. The weather determines the season. Enough potatoes are being planted. If, however, the volumes are not there due to a dry summer, then daily prices are off."
“The falling Bintje acreage is also a determining factor. The Bintje has been one of the most popular varieties for many years. Now, suddenly the acreage is declining. This variety has problems, so a lot of effort is going into developing new varieties," Will concludes.
For more information:
Willy den Haese
R. & W. den Haese
33B Vijver Street
9860 Moortsele, Belgium
Tel: +32 (0) 936 247 29
Email: willy.denhaese@gmail.com