Unusual Market Dynamics in Northern-European Potato Trade

Currency and supply dynamics are affecting the relative price of British processing potatoes compared to supplies from Belgium and the Netherlands. “Presently the ex-farm value of GB processing potatoes sits at €70–€80 per tonne lower than comparable Belgian and Dutch quotes – an unusual position for the GB crop compared with previous years’ prices,” said Arthur Marshall, Market Intelligence analyst for the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). “Last season, ex-farm prices for Belgian and Dutch processing varieties were either fairly similar or the GB price point was higher. “The price gap has grown dramatically in the last couple of weeks due to Belgian and Dutch prices rising, alongside the falling value of sterling – making GB prices lower in euro terms.” More