North-western European Potato Growers recap: 2018 harvest 18% lower than last year

After Great Britain published its potato statistics earlier this month, the North-western European Potato Growers (NEPG) created the overview for their entire region: an 18 percent lower total harvest.

Also much lower yields in Great Britain

Great Britain was the last NEPG member to publish their estimated harvest, 4,2 million tons, the lowest harvest since 2012.

The total harvest estimation in the big 5 is now 24.3 million tons. This is 18% lower than last season and almost 8 % lower than the 5 years average.

The main reason for this lower harvest are the lower yields per ha as the total area for consumption potatoes grew slightly with 1% in the NEPG countries.

Great Britain

Great Britain was late with their harvest and likewise as the other countries the yields were significant below average due to the climate during the growing season. The total yield per ha dropped 15 % compared to last season towards 41.7 to/ha.

Reports of “at risk” material being moved ahead of Christmas may lead to drawdown in stocks diverging from normal trend.

Stock levels for GB are currently not known and will be released in the New Year

Continental actual stocks lower

Earlier this month France the updated figures with a total of 5.8 million consumption potatoes.

Resent stock surveys on the continent by the NEPG members showed what was expected, a much lower available stock level than other years. Many lots with secondary growth have been treated and are processed now.

These (contracted) potatoes have been processed already, so that good contract potatoes with delivery November- December have been passed on to the new year.

The NEPG expects the high and firm market level will continue at the start of the new year. Also the new offered contracts by the continental processors will reflect the actual situation and will likely be on a be on a much higher and more realistic level according to the NEPG.