Netherlands Potato Surplus Crashes Wholesale Prices 87% But Grocery Bills Stay High
Amsterdam, Friday, 20 February 2026.
Dutch farmers face a devastating 100 million kilogram potato surplus after exceptional 2025 harvests, sending wholesale prices plummeting from 30 to just 4 euros per 100 kilos. Despite this dramatic commodity crash, consumers see no relief at supermarkets or snack bars, as retail prices remain disconnected from agricultural markets due to fixed costs like rent, wages, and energy that comprise 60% of final pricing.
Record Harvests Create Market Collapse
The potato price collapse stems from extraordinary harvests throughout 2025, which created an unprecedented surplus across the Netherlands [1]. The going rate for 100 kilograms of potatoes suitable for making the nation’s famous frites now stands at just 4 euros, compared to 30 euros at the same time in February 2025 - representing an -86.667 percent decline [1][2]. This dramatic shift has left the Dutch agricultural sector grappling with approximately 100 million kilograms of excess potatoes that cannot find buyers in the saturated market [1][2]. The surplus particularly affects processing potatoes used for frites production, as fastfood chains have reduced their demand during the same period [2].
Consumer Prices Remain Stubbornly High Despite Commodity Crash
Despite the wholesale price collapse, Dutch consumers continue paying the same amounts for potato products at supermarkets and snack bars [1][2]. Agricultural economist Jelmer Schreurs from ABN AMRO explains that potato price reductions will “at best, be slowed down” for consumers, as agricultural commodities represent only 40 percent of the final retail price [2]. The remaining 60 percent consists of fixed operational costs including rent, employee wages, energy, and shipping expenses that have not decreased alongside the commodity prices [1][2]. Frans van Rooij, director of the Association of Professional Fryers, confirms that snack bar owners face the same challenge, noting that “the cost price of frites is more than just the potato” and includes substantial overhead expenses [2].
Farmer Devastation: From 200 Hectares to Survival Mode
The crisis has forced dramatic business restructuring among Dutch potato farmers, exemplified by Richard Hardeman’s situation in Harskamp [2][3]. Hardeman currently sits with 1.5 million kilograms of unsold potatoes after his primary buyer, potato processor CêlaVíta, declared bankruptcy in August 2025, abruptly terminating existing contracts [2][3]. The farmer has been compelled to reduce his agricultural operations from 200 hectares to just 20 hectares, transitioning from large-scale industrial supply to serving only his own farm shop, De Groenerie [2][3]. This represents a devastating -90 percent reduction in his farming operation, illustrating the severe impact on individual agricultural businesses.
Innovation Emerges: No Waste Army’s Food Rescue Initiative
Dutch organization No Waste Army has launched an innovative food rescue campaign to prevent the destruction of Hardeman’s 1.5 million kilogram potato stockpile [5][6]. The Amsterdam-based social enterprise, founded to combat food waste, created a comprehensive rescue strategy allowing consumers to purchase 15-kilogram bags directly from the farm for 5.95 euros on February 27-28, 2026 [5][6]. The initiative includes a home-delivery service through partnership with Boerschappen, offering “stamppot packages” containing rescued potatoes and other surplus vegetables delivered nationwide [5][6]. Within 24 hours of launching the campaign on February 17, 2026, No Waste Army successfully found destinations for 28,000 kilograms of potatoes, demonstrating the potential for direct-to-consumer food rescue models [6]. The organization also facilitates donations to food banks, ensuring surplus agricultural products reach families in need rather than being destroyed [5][6].
European Market Pressures and Future Outlook
The Dutch potato crisis reflects broader European market challenges, with Belgium, Germany, and France experiencing similar oversupply issues [4]. Current market prices for processing potatoes range between 1.50 to 3.50 euros per 100 kilograms, while fresh frites command only 4 to 8 euros per 100 kilograms - levels significantly below profitable thresholds [4]. Potato stocks across the Netherlands and Belgium currently sit 30 percent above the five-year average, creating sustained downward pressure on prices [4]. The termijnmarkt (futures market) reflects this pessimism, with contracts trading around 3.10 euros per 100 kilograms and cash settlements as low as 2.60 to 2.70 euros - the lowest levels recorded in recent years [4]. Industry analysts anticipate that EU4 countries may need to reduce potato cultivation areas by 10-15 percent to restore market balance, potentially affecting the 600,000+ hectares currently dedicated to consumption potato production [4].