On one side we have the top-of-the-range potatoes, which obtain very good prices and mark significant increases in sales; on the other side stands the low-end product, which is influenced by the market towards much lower prices.
"We are seeing a gap in the current potato market," explained Matteo Zanarini, an expert in the field, "conditioned by various factors happening at a European level. The range is between 27 and 36 cents (starting price) for the high quality product, i.e. potatoes sold at retail, in large-scale distribution or in stores. These are very interesting prices, even if the quantities are increasingly reduced."
But on the other hand, the "European industry suffered a great loss as a result of the closure of the Ho.Re.Ca channels, with many fears of a possible reduction in the number of scheduled pick ups. We will have to wait the following weeks to see how this situation evolves. However, the low-end fresh produce is below 20 cents, driven down by the current state of the market."
On the stock front, Italy is now at the limit, while the collection of new supplies has begun in some areas, such as Sicily. "There are fresh stocks in France, Belgium, the Netherlands - concluded Zanarini - and I believe that they will be enough for at least another month, so as to have a natural transition to the new product."
