According to William Westhoeve of Westhoeve Potatoes, Dutch potato exports have been stable for weeks. "It hasn't been hectic, but neither has it been dead-quiet. Prices have been the same for a long time. Sometimes a little less or more, but there's certainly been no craziness. Prices seem to be gradually rising a bit, though," he says.
"Grower prices are currently between €0.22 and €0.24. For exports, bale prices are around €0.29. Those are great prices; growers can't complain. The French fry factories want potatoes at the moment. If that continues, it could affect grower prices."
"We're presently exporting plenty to the Caribbean. Exports to places like Curaçao, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago keep going well. We've sent some potatoes to African destinations such as Senegal and Mali, and those to the Ivory Coast continue," William continues. "Our present prices are too high to export to the Far East. Although sea freight rates have dropped somewhat, they're still far from the old level."
"Other than that, there are few unusual destinations on the market. When will Eastern Europe come onto the market? That's the big question. People are already asking but hardly buying yet, probably because they can still buy potatoes a little cheaper in Germany. But when those are finished, Eastern European countries should come to the Dutch market," William concludes.
For more information:
William Westhoeve
Westhoeve Potatoes
42 Hofdijksweg
3253 KB, Ouddorp, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 187 683 137
Email: info@westhoevepotatoes.nl
Website: www.westhoevepotatoes.nl