FRENCH potato grower and trader Top'Pom says there has been a significant rise in fresh potatoes in France since the start of the year, caused by lack of supply and perpetual demand.
Despite an active month with exports in January, this slowed down in February. However volumes sold are 'clearly higher' than this time last year, according to Director Antoine Geysels.
In September 2023, Italy, which suffered a significant drop in production, and Spain were already absorbing large volumes of French potatoes and this dynamic continues today, he said.
"The demand from Italy was still strong at the beginning of the year, leading to a considerable increase in volumes exported to this country compared to previous years. Spain, on the other hand, remains by far the leading importer of French potato imports, with an acceleration in shipments at the start of the year."
Another factor to be taken into account by French operators over the coming weeks is the arrival of new potatoes from Egypt and Israel.
Antoine said he still hoped to be able to cover the demand for the next season.
"The shortage of seedlings for the next season makes us all aware of the importance of this segment for the balance of our sector," he said.
FEDEPOM announced in November 2023 that production of certified seedlings in France has fallen by almost 11% this year (- 60,000 tons). This decline can only be partly attributed to weather hazards.
French and European seedling producers are also faced with technical difficulties regarding possible solutions to treat aphids, the main pest responsible for the potential deterioration in seedling quality.
"Insufficient supplies of seedlings can also weaken farms, which may find themselves unable to produce all or part of their projected acreage for the coming season. But European packers and manufacturers are also concerned, as they will need sufficient raw material to supply and amortise their production facilities. We therefore hope that the final acreage cuts will not be too drastic, and will enable us to cover the demand for the next season," said Antoine.
Source: Fresh Plaza Photo: Top Pom
