European prices of potatoes for processing reached record levels, as increased competition from processors for a limited amount of non-contracted (free) stocks pushed physical prices up. On April 18, Mintec comparative prices for Dutch processing potatoes were estimated at 330.00 euros/t, which is the highest value since the beginning of the price series in 2014, according to Mintecglobal.
Delays in sowing new crops in Europe have led market participants to speculate that early harvest arrivals may be delayed, increasing pressure on stocks through the end of the 2022/23 season. In addition, the amount of stocks available for purchase is below average, and global demand for processed products remains strong, leading to increased competition among processors to secure unbundled volumes.
For the rest of the season, market participants expect free market prices to remain at or near record highs until processors start receiving sufficient volumes of early processing varieties.