Overall, marketing of table potatoes was fairly quiet. Demand was rather weak in the run-up to Christmas. Nevertheless, supply and demand were in balance throughout. In terms of their prices, therefore, sellers did not actually have to change anything. According to the BLE, the first imports of Cypriot potatoes are already starting; the season will start shortly.
Rhineland-Palatinate
Trading on the potato market continues to be slow, with supply more than sufficient for the subdued demand, according to the Rhineland-Palatinate Chamber of Agriculture. Prices are nevertheless stable, with the sale of good quality stock, farmers are currently in no hurry. Lots with increased grading are subject to discounts. In the case of processing potatoes, there is greater differentiation between variety types. There is hardly any call for processing potatoes; here, too, contract volumes cover demand.
Hesse
In the state of Hesse, too, potato marketing continues to be slow, according to the Chamber of Agriculture. A rather high level of consumer restraint is currently weighing on the market. As a result, no firm prices can be achieved for the time being. At the same time, the storage stability of some lots is being critically evaluated and consequently marketed quickly with price concessions. Demand is not expected to pick up until shortly before the Christmas holidays.
Schleswig-Holstein
In the state of Schleswig-Holstein, demand for potatoes is slower than expected. Supply is more than sufficient to meet demand. Overall, the prices mentioned remain at the level of previous weeks. However, according to the Chamber of Agriculture, the hesitant sales are leading to a certain nervousness among market participants, so that, according to reports, price concessions of around €2/dt are being made by growers who want to move some of the potatoes out as quickly as possible.
The local price level is still too high for export. With declining prices, export deals could materialize. A revival of demand is expected in the weeks before Christmas.
Lower Saxony
Last week, the market remained balanced and calm, reports the Farmers' Association of Northeast Lower Saxony (BVNON) in its latest market report. Prices averaged 30 euros/100kg for firm-cooking potatoes and 28 euros/100kg for mostly firm-cooking potatoes.