Market expectations

For most agricultural crops we see reduced stocks and increasing demand.

The growing ethanol production drives prices high. The price for corn starch is rising. Since December 2006 the price for glucose has risen by 30-40%.

Potato farmers will therefore be able go get better prices by switching to other crops.

The availability of seed potatoes in Europe seems to be on the low side for an average campaign.

And now for the good news!
Spring came early this year. The potato farmers are happy when the sun shines this time of the year. They are all set to work in their fields.

It is much too early to predict the development for the 2007/2008 campaign for potato starch. That does, however, not stop us from trying.

• Considerable shortages will be prevalent until late August
  
• The campaign will start 1-2 weeks earlier than normal
  
• The balance between supply and demand will improve over the campaign. Minor shortages are, however, expected to last also into 2007/2008.
  
• Moderate price increases are expected in the fall of 2007. From early 2008 further price increases are anticipated.