Update on the Northern European potato market (Euro Potato)

The 2009/10 potato season may still have progress to make, according to representatives of the Northwest European Potato Growers (NEPG).

This report looks at current situations, including the latest production estimate from Belgium, which could provide some indicators for the months ahead.

The dry summer, lack of late growth and end of season bulking as well as many quality problems, may still have an influence on markets throughout Northern Europe before the end of the season.

There is still uncertainty regarding the volume of stocks which will achieve the quality standards required, in both the processing and fresh sectors. An upward change to prices therefore appears likely going into 2010, with best stocks leading the way towards premium values.

In contrast there will be lower quality produce present on the market throughout the season, for which little change in price is expected. In most EU 5 countries this has led to average prices falling during the first quarter of the season from the beginning of August. It would appear unlikely that there could be a similar overall decline during the next quarter, leading up to New Year. Currently prices are only steady at best and there is substantial variation in the market, related to quality. This could well become even wider by next Spring.