The European processing potato prices reached all-time highs due to heightened competition among processors for a finite supply of uncontracted (free-buy) supplies.

On April 18, Mintec Benchmark Prices for Dutch processing potatoes were estimated at EUR330/mt, the highest value since the price series’ inception in 2014.

“Delays to new crop planting in Europe led to market participants suggesting that the arrival of the early crop could be delayed, increasing pressure on stocks for the remainder of the 2022/23 season. Furthermore, the volume of free-buy stocks is below average and global demand for processed products remains robust, which has resulted in increased competition between processors to secure uncommitted volumes,” according to a recent Mintec press release.

Market participants anticipate free-buy prices to stay at or close to record highs for the season until processors receive adequate quantities of early processing types.