"Potato prices will remain good all season"

The potato market is a busy place at the moment. The export is starting to get going and there is demand from many countries. This was reported by Jurgen Duthoo of Bart's Potato Company. "In general the harvest isn't going that quick in various countries. Last week it was too dry in Belgium and France, and now there is a lot of rain in France and Great Britain. There has been a lot of rain in our country too. This slows it down and makes the demand larger than the supply. The yields per hectare are disappointing this season."

"The potato tubers aren't as big this year as they were last and the dry matter content is high. This means it's important that the potatoes are taken in with a lot of care to avoid damage. The prices are at a high level, and whoever has good quality, would rather store them than immediately sell them."

"The demand is increasing, in export as well. The prices for the chip industry are 200 to 220 Euro/ton and those suitable for washing from 250 to 300 Euro per ton from the grower. This depends on variety, size, peel and colour. The export is currently to Africa, England, Ireland, Scotland, Hungary, Italy and Spain. Some are also being sent to Russia. I expect good prices throughout the entire season," concludes Jurgen.

For more information:
Jurgen Duthoo
Bart’s Potato Company bvba
Westvleterenstraat 25a
8640, Vleteren, België
Tel: +32 57 40 91 20
Fax: +32 57 40 91 21
www.lamaire.be