Potato Markets Weekly

摘要

Prices are continuing to rise sharply in the Netherlands and those among the central EU-5 countries are bunching into three distinct groups. If the promised increase in exports takes place in coming weeks then markets could begin to rise sharply. French exports to the Iberian Peninsula revived in November and Italian growers are complaining at the pressure of imports from France and Germany. Many British growers are however demoralised, despite the improved prices, and some observers believe that there will be a further reduction in GB plantings this year. French associations are concerned that arable farmers may be tempted to switch out of CAP crops into potatoes. Belgian demand for seed potatoes is said to be increasing. The futures markets for processing potatoes at Amsterdam and Hanover have been rising at a faster pace than the Hanover ware and Hanover London markets. The Amsterdam April contract closed today at EUR 181/tonne, offering a premium over the physical market of EUR 54/t. Italy hastrimmed its maincrop harvest estimate but there has been an equivalent increase in the estimated Spanish harvest. More extra early potatoes have been planted this year in Spain. Dutch seed potato exports by December 31 were 18% down on a year earlier, while a reduction in the certified seed area could provide one explanation of the large volumes of seed potatoes being sold as ware. There has been a significant concentration of the Dutch industry over the past five years. Walker's have cut the saturatedfat and salt contents of the crisps (chips) while three firms are bidding for the remainder of Golden Wonder. Spar is stocking Mash Direct products in its north of England stores. Dutch producer organisations Bamm and POA are in the process of merging. Ireland is weighing a proposal from Bayer for a trial of a GM blight-resistant potato.