Potato trader Dirk Bos is closely monitoring the potato market. Earlier this year, he spoke of a collapse in the consumption market, while seed potato prices were still at €50 to €60 per 100 kg at the time. Since then, those prices have dropped sharply. According to Bos, the market is in an "exceptionally weak situation", he told FarmTrade.
© FarmTrade
Egypt as export indicator under pressure
"Sales are incredibly disappointing in North Africa and the Middle East," Bos says. The return on consumption potatoes from the 2025 crop is now only €1 to €1.50 per 100 kg. Consumption growth remains uncertain and is delaying the purchase of seed potatoes. Storage facilities are still full, leaving little room for earnings. There is also limited space available for new seed potatoes. In North Africa, leftover ware potatoes are even being used as seed potatoes. "Egypt is the trendsetter for the rest of the exports and therefore sets the price," he explains. "Because exports to Egypt are lagging in particular, we have less support in the market."
"Normally, Egypt imports around 130,000 tons of seed potatoes from Europe. This year, we can be glad with 70,000 to 80,000 tons," Bos says. This has a major impact on the important variety Spunta. "In mid-September, Spunta was still at €65 to €70 per 100 kg. Now, at the end of November, you are talking about €25 to €27 per 100 kg. Because Egypt is barely buying, other countries are waiting in the hope of even lower prices."
Balance in french fry potato crop may bring recovery
The limited exports still moving are also disappointing. Sales of export varieties will largely continue until the end of December; from January, trade in varieties such as Agria will increase. Bos says, "But the mood is negative. The consumer market is putting pressure on everything." French fry processors will also adjust contracts by reducing prices and volumes, but this is not yet entirely clear. Bos remains hopeful for stability: "Only when the cultivation of french fry potatoes is back in balance with demand can trade recover."
Source: FarmTrade
For more information:
Aardappelhandel Dirk Bos
Mob: +31 (0) 6 1224 3969
[email protected]
www.aardappelhandeldirkbos.nl
