DCA Market Intelligence launches the EU-4 Potato Index

DCA Market Intelligence has launched the DCA EU-4 Potato Index. This weekly index represents the weighted average price of processing potatoes in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and France, collectively known as the EU-4. These countries form the primary growing region for processing potatoes within the European Union. The DCA EU-4 Potato Index for Week 2 is set at €27.15 per 100 kilogram

“The DCA EU-4 Potato Index is the leading indicator for processing potato prices in the EU,” explains Eric de Lijster, Head of PRA at DCA Market Intelligence. “These four countries form a single region from which potato processors source their raw materials. This makes the index a reliable and valuable benchmark for understanding the dynamics of the European potato market.”

The DCA EU-4 Potato Index is calculated weekly as the weighted average, based on acreage, of the average prices in Germany (Reka), France (RNM), Belgium (Viaverda/Fiwap and Belgapom), and the Netherlands (PotatoNL). “Germany and France are the largest European countries in terms of acreage for processing potatoes. Therefore, their prices carry more weight in the calculation of the index than those of the Netherlands and Belgium,” De Lijster explains.

Look ahead with Forward Index
In addition to the DCA EU-4 Potato Index, DCA Market Intelligence also calculates the DCA EU-4 Potato Forward Index. The Forward Indices are weekly calculated prices based on the EU-4 Potato Index, taking into account a storage fee per week until the point of ‘delivery’ on the last Friday of the respective forward month. “With the Forward Indices, growers can look ahead and see what the potato price is expected to be later in the year, including the associated costs,” De Lijster adds.

The EU-4 Potato Indices replace the spot price for processing potatoes that DCA previously used. “With the DCA EU-4 Potato Index, we offer a more recognizable and internationally relevant name that aligns with the needs of growers, processors, and traders in the potato sector,” says De Lijster. “The rebranding supports our ambition to map the potato market in an even more transparent and professional manner.”

Committed to further developing market insights
At DCA Market Intelligence, we remain committed to further developing market insights and tools that provide a stronger foundation for decision-making across the various links in the supply chain. The specifications of the DCA EU-4 Potato Index can be found on the DCA Market Intelligence website. The index is also part of a new and exclusive potato platform that DCA Market Intelligence will launch next month.