Royal Avebe, the Dutch-German cooperative, has finalized processing for the 2024 starch potato campaign, reporting a better-than-expected yield. The cooperative has set the basic price at €105 per ton, with an additional €10 per ton campaign bonus, bringing the total to €115 per ton (approx. $129). This represents a 20% increase compared to 2023, driven by strong market demand and improved starch potato quality.
Performance-Based Premiums Boost Farmer Earnings
Beyond the base price, growers benefit from performance-based premiums, including:
- Starch content incentives
- Early delivery bonuses
- Quality and full A-volume delivery rewards
These incentives have significantly enhanced farmer payouts, reinforcing Avebe’s commitment to improving member profitability.
Steady Price Growth Over Five Years
The starch potato sector has seen consistent price growth:
- 2020: €72.50 per ton
- 2024: €115 per ton (+58% increase since 2020)
This upward trend reflects Avebe’s “Strengthen and Accelerate” strategy, aimed at expanding market share and increasing the value of potato starch and protein.
Early Planting and Increased Interest in Starch Potatoes for 2025
The 2025 planting season began earlier than usual, with most potatoes already planted in the Netherlands and Germany—2-3 weeks ahead of 2024. Additionally, more farmers are including starch potatoes in their crop rotations, signaling confidence in the sector’s profitability.
Cooperative Results and Future Outlook
Avebe will distribute additional cooperative profits to members in December 2025, following the financial year closing on July 31, 2025. With strong market positioning and rising demand for plant-based starches and proteins, the outlook for starch potato growers remains positive.
The 2024 starch potato campaign highlights strong price growth and increasing farmer incentives, driven by Avebe’s market strategies. With earlier planting and higher grower interest in 2025, the sector is poised for continued expansion. Farmers and agronomists should monitor these trends to optimize production and profitability in the coming seasons.
