Slowest September in years for potato processors

The processing figures for September are not something to write home about. Processors have processed less than 300,000 tons of potatoes into fries. That is a bit disappointing for a month that usually has a plentiful supply of off-land potatoes.

Last month, 296,900 tons of potatoes were processed into pre-fried fries or other frozen potato products, according to the figures from the Association for the Potato Processing Industry (Vavi). For comparison: last September, 334,200 tons were processed, and the five-year average stands at 324,540 tons. Last month's processing figure was the lowest since 2011. The total processed this season up to September is 578,700 tons, the lowest level since 2010.

A total of 132,100 tons of pre-fried fries and 22,800 tons of other products were produced. This results in a processing efficiency of 52.2%, which is also a bit low for this time of year. The average efficiency over the past five years is 53.0%.

Jurphaas Lugtenburg

Jurphaas Lugtenburg is a market specialist in onions, carrots, and commodities such as wheat, corn, and soybeans at DCA Market Intelligence. He combines his degree in business administration with a passion for farming.

j.lugtenburg@farmerbusiness.com