Potato processor Avebe from Gasselternijveen paid its members 5.6 percent more this year than last year. Avebe says it has been a good harvest year. The cooperative closes the year with a profit of 12.1 million euros.
Royal Avebe is a cooperative of 2300 arable farmers from the Netherlands and Germany. The arable farmers grow starch potatoes.
The growers were able to harvest their potatoes under good weather conditions, according to Avebe. “We’ve had an autumn by the book.”
The dry summer did have an impact on the harvest. “It wasn’t a top year, but the quality of the potatoes is good.”
The performance price rose to a record high of almost 100 euros. This price provides insight into how the cooperative is doing. According to Avebe, many members have had to deal with cost increases, including due to a lockdown, inflation and the war in Ukraine.
“To keep starch potato cultivation attractive compared to other crops, such as wheat, maize or consumption potatoes, a good price for the starch potato is necessary,” says David Fousert, chairman of the board of Avebe.
Avebe sees itself as a solution in the transition to a more plant-based economy. “The demand for our products is therefore good and growing year on year,” says Fousert. But, “of course we are not closing our eyes to the uncertainty and developments due to a recession.”