EU: Potato buyers competing for supply

There is still strong demand in Eastern Europe for potatoes following adverse growing conditions in the summer and as a result the potato markets in Northwest European countries such as Belgium, France, Holland, Germany and the UK are continuing to see a rise in prices early in 2011.
According to a report by the Potato Council fresh and processing buyers in Northern Europe are competing for supplies as exporters are increasing prices to secure material.
In France processing varieties are reaching between 248 and 273/t depending on variety and quality. The export demand is on the increase and growers are having to balance existing commitments with new opportunities. Romania, Czech Republic and Hungary are driving the Eastern European export movement from France with exports headed south dominated by Portugal, with some small volumes also going to Spain and Italy. Export prices are ranging from ?295 up to ?344.
Last week saw the first arrivals of early varieties from North Africa at 535/t.
The l'Union Nationale des Producteurs de Pommes de Terre (UNPT) report French exports from August to the end of November 2010 were 439,600 tonnes compared with 410,900 in the same period last year. With an export value of ?101m compared to ?54.4m last year. Spain continued to be the largest importer of French material over this period.
In Belgium processing potatoes are steady at 246 to 280/t. Exports to Russia continue to be strong with around 10,000t leaving from Zeebrugge and between 20,000t and 25,000t going from Vlissingen every week. Shipments are also departing from the ports of Dunkirk, Rotterdam and Hamburg. The strong prices in Northern Europe are reducing exports to the south
In Holland processing prices rose again last week, with Bintje at 254/t, Agria 272/t and the best quality Innovator ?291/t. Processors are competitive on price and German buyers are now starting to look in The Netherlands for better quality.
Export demand remains strong at around 15,000t per week, per ex. farm, prices increased last week to 254 to 292/t. Russian buyers are reported to be taking a bigger proportion of the crop also accepting smaller sizes. Some Eastern European importers are now paying 389/t.
In Germany the official production estimate was revised to 10.2 m tonnes. Prices for fresh potatoes last week were ?234 to ?241/t and processing potatoes are increasing to between 241 to 256/t. Export prices to the East last week were between 234 to 243/t.
Elsewhere in Europe, in Hungary a reduction in planted area by 27% and 18% less yield compared to last year. The official crop is estimated at 300,000 t, a drop of 47%. Meanwhile potato production in Turkey rose by 2.7% 4,516,000 t from 4,397,700 t in 2009.
In Algeria potato production reached 3.2m t in 2010, compared to 2.67m t in 2009, and 2.2 m t in 2008. In Poland the Ministry updated potato production estimates during December to 4% less area, 6.3% less yield and 9.7% lower production at 8,766,000 tonnes.
In Canada Prince Edward Island Potato Board recently reported 50% more exports are heading to destinations outside North America, which include Russia and Venezuela.
2011/12 New season crops
In Israel potato and vegetable growers have experienced low rainfall over winter with lakes at reduced levels. 30% of the crop is said to have been damaged by sand storms in the Western part of Negev. Russia has been reported to have shown interest in Israeli export volumes.
In Cyprus Spring crop plantings are expected to be between 10 to 15 % more than last year, final yields will depend on weather and growing conditions to the end of April.
In Greece the Peloponnese have planted 10 % less than last year and the potato crop is about one week later. The main varieties include Spunta, Arnova, and also Bellini, Voyager and Annabelle. Subject to weather conditions they expect to start shipments beginning of April. Since November and through to March Greece is importing material from Cyprus, France, Germany and Egypt.
In Spain weather conditions have meant potato plantings are running about 15 days behind.