DCA reports frozen fries index to be at lowest price in 3 months

After a significant decline, European open-market potato prices are now stabilizing, with the Frozen Fries Index remaining steady last week, according to a report from DCA Market Intelligence.

The company reports that its Open Market Index decreased slightly, closing at €481.20 per tonne in week 11—a drop of €12 compared to the previous week. The 70/30 Index saw a €4 reduction, while the Fastfood Index remained unchanged.

The DCA EU-4 Potato Index dropped to €361.09 per tonne, where it is calculated with 55% processing efficiency, its lowest level in 12 weeks. Prices for the Fontane potato, the most widely grown variety for French fry production in the EU-4 region, have fallen considerably. Belgium recorded the lowest prices at €168.80 per tonne, while the Netherlands reached the highest at €266.30 per tonne—a difference of €97.50 or 37%.

This price drop, amounting to 39% over four weeks, is attributed to an early spring, a slowdown in French fry exports, and a positive harvest in the EU-4 countries last autumn. However, certain varieties like Innovator and Agria remain in short supply.

Towards the end of last week, European potato processors showed increased interest in open-market potatoes by submitting tenders and purchasing lots. With 15 weeks to go before the new crop arrives, further developments in the market will determine whether the Frozen Fries Index stabilizes or declines again in the short term.