The lockdown has a weakening effect on potato prices. This applies to both the processing and fresh market. The export market is difficult, especially for Eastern Europe. There are currently very few incentives for buying short-term deliveries on the daily market. For some varieties, the trade is showing some interest in deliveries in May, June and July.
The more extensive lockdown in Europe creates uncertainty for the rest of the current harvest. The potato market is still very quiet. Although there is only a small supply of non-contracted potatoes, this is offset by an even lower demand from trade and industry. The minimal potato sale ensures low prices. Last week, these remained largely stable compared to the previous week.
5 Euro
On Friday, Belgapom recorded unchanged 5 euros for all varieties. The market atmosphere was calm and lackluster for Bintje. The April 2021 EEX was lower again last week and it reflects the persistent uncertainty of the potato price of recent weeks. The price fell to EUR 6.20, the lowest since December. The June 2021 price also fell. And relatively speaking even more than the April listing. At the end of February, the difference between April and June was 3 euros, but now the spread is just over 1 euro.
Export potato chips
Exports of frozen chips and other products from the five largest EU exporters fell by 10.3 percent in 2020. The reduced demand in the EU was responsible for that decrease. European sales are still under pressure due to ongoing restaurant closures. In early 2021, the numbers suggest a partial recovery in trade.
