Analysis Potatoes
Is quality rewarded in the potato market?
Among growers, there is sometimes a complaint that quality is not sufficiently reflected in the price. Whether enough is being paid remains a separate issue, but there is a clear distinction between what processors prefer to have and varieties that are less popular. It is not a big leap, but the DCA EU-4 Potato Index (formerly the DCA Spot Price for French Fries Potatoes) is also taking a small step up this week.
With the absence of a Dutch listing, transparency in the potato market is not improving. That does not mean that the market is not functioning. Last week, Farm Frites sparked discussions by setting a tender offering €30 for delivery in December for Innovators. This price is not reflected in the listings from Belgium, Germany, and France that contribute to the Potato Index.
Reka raised prices across the board. Innovator increased by €2.50 to €27.50. Agria also rose by €2.50 to reach €23.50. Fontane and Challenger lag behind at €17.50, an increase of €1.50. Fiwap/Viaverda raised the upper end of Fontane to €15 to €20. Innovator remained unchanged. Belgapom stayed at €15. RNM from France kept prices steady for Fontane and Innovator. The upward trend of the Potato Index is slowing down. The increase was limited to €0.34, bringing the index to €17.70.
