According to the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE), there wasn't much movement in the potato market: Domestic offerings of stored ware potatoes continued to dominate, still convincing in terms of quality. They were complemented by a few batches from abroad. Price-wise, not much changed. The asparagus season brought a bit more momentum to the early potato market for consumption: Sales picked up at certain points. Consequently, some traders were able to slightly increase their previous prices. However, the prices mostly remained constant.
Rhineland-Palatinate:
The potato offering of older stocks has decreased, with remaining stocks becoming manageable. French goods are still in the market. The presence of early potatoes from Egypt in retail is increasing, with Israel and Cyprus also represented. Direct marketers are running low on stock, with some resorting to purchasing additional stock or planning to do so. Last week's high temperatures allowed for the first domestic asparagus from open fields, which should benefit the sales of early potatoes.
Schleswig-Holstein:
Even after Easter, the supply of ware potatoes remains sufficient. Demand in retail and by restaurateurs temporarily reduced after the holidays but has since picked up again. Remaining stocks from last year are now estimated to be slightly more extensive than previously thought, making price increases difficult to implement. The ongoing asparagus season could stimulate demand for high-quality potatoes. The supply of imported goods is slowly but steadily increasing. Planting is being slowed down by renewed rainfall.
NRW:
The current table potato market is quite balanced. Imports from Egypt and Israel supplement the offering. Market participants also expect a good harvest from Israel and Spain. The first foil-covered potatoes in the Rhineland are about 10 -15 cm tall.
As far as the industrial market is concerned, prices in Western Europe remained stable for another week.
Hesse:
In the state of Hesse, there have been no significant price changes compared to the previous week.
Bavaria:
The last storage potatoes from Bavaria are now circulating, thus, this year's season is coming to an early end. "Quality-wise, the storage goods have held up quite well until the end of the season. Prices were largely stable in February and March, while there were several minor price increases between November and January," the management of the Franconian sorting and packing company Hofbeck Ltd reports.
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
After the lively Easter business, the demand for packaged ware potatoes has decreased significantly. This is not unusual, as leftover stocks from the generous Easter shopping are being consumed first. Older storage goods are still available, but the stocks are increasingly dwindling. Loose ware goods are hardly available on the market. Producer prices for table potatoes from storage remain unchanged at last week's level. Prices for peeled potatoes are stable. The first German asparagus is now being offered in small quantities at high prices. However, early potatoes from Egypt are still in low demand. Potato planting is already underway in many places, with planting on light sandy soils expected to be completed this week. Rain has temporarily slowed down the planting of potatoes in some regions.
Brandenburg
Producer prices for table potatoes remain almost unchanged at last week's level. During and after the Easter holidays, table potatoes were in increased demand in supermarkets and discount stores. The share of early potato imports in food markets is steadily increasing. Early potatoes from Egypt and Israel are being offered and are selling well. Prices for peeled potatoes have occasionally increased. Potato planting is progressing rapidly, with rain temporarily interrupting the work in some areas.
Saxony
In the short week after Easter, the demand for ware potatoes in food markets predictably dropped significantly. Stocks prepared for the Easter feast are being consumed first. Producer prices for table potatoes and prices for peeled potatoes remain stable at last week's level. However, German storage potatoes are still scarce, and it will be at least three more months until the next harvest. The switch to early potatoes is happening very slowly, with sales being low. The currently unusually warm weather is causing German storage potatoes to sprout prematurely, which is a hindrance to sales. The seed potatoes are already sprouting long shoots and therefore need to be planted in the ground as soon as possible. Field preparations for planting the tubers are in full swing.
Saxony-Anhalt
In the week after Easter, ware potatoes were only weakly demanded in supermarkets and discount stores. Producer prices for ware potatoes and prices for peeled potatoes have occasionally increased. Since Easter, trade chains have increasingly included early potato imports in their assortment. So far, sales have been restrained, with prices being high. Alternatively, local storage potatoes offer significantly better conditions. They are good and inexpensive. The planting of potatoes is being prepared regionally, with some farmers already starting. Rainfall has delayed the planting on heavier soils. The seed potatoes have already sprouted long shoots, so time is pressing. Mail-order companies are marketing remaining stocks that are turning up here and there.
Thuringia
As expected, the business with ware potatoes initially dropped sharply at the beginning of the week after Easter. Towards the end of the week, however, sales of packaged table goods noticeably increased again. Producer prices for German ware potatoes remain at last week's level. Older tubers are no longer sufficiently available, with some goods being drawn off to distant regions at high price bids. Local packers rely on long-term relationships and their own local stocks. This week, Egyptian early potatoes are being promoted in the food markets. So far, the expensive imported potatoes have been weakly demanded. With the currently warm weather conditions, potato planting is beginning in many places. Prices for peeled potatoes remain unchanged.