Belgium: Potato prices fall sharply on the free market
The price of potatoes on the open market has fallen to 50 euros per tonne, its lowest level in several years, according to figures from the sectoral organisation Belgapom .
This quotation for the free market does not apply to potatoes sold by producers through contracts, which concerns 70 to 80% of producers. The players on the free market are typically processors of frozen potato products.
According to Belgapom, the market is " slow " and marked by supply exceeding demand. " Unlike in previous years, processing units have enough potatoes under contract ," explains Christophe Vermeulen, CEO of the sector organization. The abundant supply is the result of a good year in 2024 and the fact that new potatoes are already arriving on the market.
Furthermore, for the first time in years, Belgian exports of potato products have stagnated. However, the potato sector is doing very well in Belgium, according to Belgapom. Processors have invested in new production units. " We are currently in a transition period, but we can’t say that things are going badly, " summarizes Christophe Vermeulen.
For growers, potatoes have been one of the most profitable crops for several years. Low potato prices on the open market are unlikely to have any impact on supermarket shelves.
Fuente: rtbf.be
