The production of potato starch has grown at Avebe in the past year, but there were also concerns during the presentation of the annual report. “The uncertainty surrounding potato cultivation is increasing,” says director David Fousert.
At the same time, the potato sector in Northwestern Europe is under pressure. Potato prices are the lowest in years. Due to the high potato prices in recent years, farmers have started to grow more, both in Europe and in other parts of the world. The increased supply causes the price to drop.
According to Fousert, there is more to the potato market: “The uncertainty surrounding potato cultivation is also increasing due to regulations, geopolitical developments and climate change,” he says. “I’m definitely concerned about that.”
According to Fousert, these developments are not yet fully reflected in the annual report: “And what that will look like next year depends on many factors, which is still difficult to predict.” According to Fousert, the potato starch market also differs from the general potato market: “The demand, even outside Europe, is actually stable, so that is positive.”
Avebe is now investing in new potato varieties through its seed potato branch Averis. According to Fousert, the new varieties are more resistant to diseases, more resilient and have a high starch content. “The yield of these crops is very good.”
In addition, the cooperative is looking for new markets and applications for potato products. For example, potato products are not only used in food, but also in building materials, packaging materials and glue. “We can also offer a plant-based alternative to those products,” says Fousert. “We also play a role in making those products more sustainable.”