The European potato market is responsible for a significant share of the global potato output, and as the economic uncertainty grows, fears about current and near-future production arise. Things are under control at the time, and predictions regarding product categories like frozen potato and frozen potato products illustrate a positive direction.
In 2022, it is predicted that the four nations of North-West Europe’s potato production will cover 507,300 hectares (+10,100 hectares), a 2% rise. The growth is specifically 3.2% in Belgium (92,558 hectares), 1.5% in Germany (185,800 hectares), 2% in France (156,162 hectares), and 2% in the Netherlands (72,816 hectares). “When compared to the five-year average, the rise is 0.9%. Even though crop rotation is becoming more popular, farmers still have altered their destination strategy. A recent CNIPT investigation found that “certain producers of starch potatoes (in Germany, France, and the Netherlands) and some producers of potatoes intended for the fresh market (in Germany and France) have changed their outlets to manufacture fried or for the creation of chips.” Eastern and Central European nations account for a sizable portion of growth on the fresh market. Sales increased by +175% from August to the end of April 2022, with 256,014 tonnes bought compared to 2020–2021. The main causes are poor quality, low yields, and a lack of German competition.
Moderate Growth Expected on Frozen Potatoes Market
Globally, the frozen potato market was valued at USD62.75bn in 2021 and is projected to reach USD83.88bn by 2028. As such, it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2021 to 2028. Geographically, Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. In terms of volume, the region accounted for a market share of more than 15% in 2021. The major factors fueling the market are changing consumer taste preferences and growing demand for processed food and the availability of numerous product variants. Also, the growing demand for frozen potatoes in the snack category due to the rising preference for convenience food or on-the-go light snacks is projected to propel the market growth over the forecast period. Moreover, an increasing population from emerging economies such as India, China, and Japan provide a broad consumer base for the frozen potato market in Asia-Pacific. Consumers in developed and developing Asian countries such as Australia, China, and India are engaged in their professional lives; therefore, they are gradually shifting their preference toward convenience food, which reduces their cooking time and provides them instant food.
European Markets Are Relaxed, But Still Active
Despite the fact that purchasers are now much more relaxed, the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) specialists recently reported that activity in the potato processing industry is still relatively high across Europe. The majority of the old maincrop demand in the UK is for whites, and high-quality samples are once again selling well. Although the market for old-crop Maris Piper potatoes is fast falling, buyers in the East who are still debating whether to buy the new crop have expressed greater interest. Ireland’s retail markets are stagnant due to the prolonged school break, while the processing industry is experiencing strong demand. This week, more queens are being listed on the market because liftings are roughly 10 days ahead of last year. There are reports of above-average yields and excellent eating quality. This year, roadside sales are starting off extremely slowly. Home guard and premiere are now mostly clear. The area of early plantings is slightly smaller than the acreage planted in 2021, according to provisional IFA early planting estimates. The area of the premier and home guard is the same as last year, while the area of queens has slightly decreased,” the survey says.
Regarding crops, according to the most recent Irish Farmers Association (IFA) potato report, export markets in Europe are reportedly lot calmer than they were in the past. According to IFA’s publication, “preliminary data indicate that planting figures have remained rather steady in several countries.” Although there have been “a few more free buy orders” and stronger contract movement this week in the UK, buyers have upped the bar on quality. The experts said that “bruising and wireworm have been a prominent cause of rejection in the South.” The retail market in Ireland is stable and close to levels from 2019. This week, around two weeks earlier than at the same time last year, the first early queens are hitting the market in the southeast. The earliest sowed crops have reportedly suffered damage from frost. “Home guard and premier are still clearing, and most growers ought to be done in the following 10 days. Sales reportedly moved far more slowly than they did last year.
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