NEPG expects Record Potato Harvest in North-western Europe

The North-Western European Potato Growers (NEPG) estimates that the upcoming Potato harvest could set a new record, even higher than 2011 when production reached 26.8 million tons.

Based upon five year average yield data and various trial digs in the 5 key countries it is estimated that production could be at 27 million tons, excluding seed and starch potatoes. However, the NEPG stresses that the majority of the crop remains in the ground and to be harvested.

Increased area and higher yields

Total production could be up 12.1% from last season, and 10.5% more compared with the 5 year average. The two main reasons are a 3.1% rise in area and 8.7% more yield per hectare, and good tuberisation

The net export of fried potato products outside the NEPG shows an upward trend. Especially the export of product outside the EU has seen a considerable increase. Due to low prices for raw material and the high value of the US dollar this export is expected expand in the upcoming season. Processing companies in the NEPG countries are all running at full capacity. According to the processing industry, since December 2013 raw material input has been at a record high.

Recently also the starch factories on the mainland have started with their campaign, an alternative outlet for consumption potatoes from Germany and the Netherlands. Last season starch potatoes went into the consumption processing, however this season it will be the other way around and many consumption potatoes will end as starch.