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Roots & Tubers review: Q4 2022

Published on 31/01/2023 - Published by GERBAUD Pierre
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The roots, tubers and other ethnic produce market had a steady Q4 2022 overall. Rates remained stable and without any major changes for most products. Supplies from Costa Rica, heavily disrupted during the previous quarter, seemed to regain a more usual tempo. Only plantain bananas and chilli peppers saw more mixed market conditions, most often because of stop-start shipments.

Informations

Product(s) : dasheen , Eddoe , Ginger , Yam , Cassava , Sweet Potato
Rubrique / Thématique : Review and Forecasts
Country : Brazil , China , Colombia , Costa rica , Egypt , Spain , France , Ghana , Martinique , Peru , Saint Vincent
Keywords : Export , Import , Price , Production

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Sweet potato

White-fleshed sweet potatoes were supplied mainly by Egypt and Brazil. Egyptian produce made up the bulk of volumes, obtaining prices of between €1.20 and €1.50/kg on average, depending on the incoming shipments and the tuber quality. Brazilian produce traded at higher prices, for smaller volumes and higher cost prices, most often in excess of €2.00/kg. While until recently white-fleshed sweet potatoes sold at a higher price than orange-fleshed SPs, a noticeable reversal in trend has become established over time. This is partly down to the varietal changes, especially in Egypt. This origin’s production used to be dedicated to white-fleshed sweet potatoes, but gradually set out to develop the orange-fleshed sweet potato trade. This doubtless actively contributed to the varietal transformation seen over the past few years.

Hence Egypt has become one of the main orange-fleshed sweet potato suppliers to the European market. It shared the market with Spain during Q4 2022. Enjoying higher demand, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes encouraged producer countries to switch their production to this type of product. Hence volumes placed rose, weighing down on prices, which dropped below those of white-fleshed sweet potatoes. October seems to have been more favourable due to a temporary reduction in the supply. Spanish produce obtained higher prices than Egyptian produce, because of the proximity of the recipient markets, but also quality problems at certain periods.

Yam

The Ghanaian white yam market was relatively stable until mid-November, when prices dipped until the end of the year. This period also saw French production enter the market. This distinctly more expensive produce nonetheless performed well on the market, with sale prices dropping as the supply progressed. It also enjoyed a leap in demand for the end-of-year festivities, illustrated by a temporary price increase. French tuber prices fell again at the end of the year. Meanwhile, Brazil provided Cuscus yams which sold steadily at between €2.30 and €2.50/kg on average. Their rates peaked in late November/early December, when Ghanaian yam prices were waning. In December, the white yam supply was topped up by a few batches from Colombia.

Eddoe

The eddoe supply was again limited compared to previous years, which explains the high rates registered. Costa Rican eddoes sold at between €3.70 and €3.90/kg on average, until the second half of November. The supply returned to a more normal level, and weighed down on sales prices, which dropped back to around €3.50/kg. The festive period temporarily boosted sales, with prices on the up. The eddoe market was supplied exclusively by Costa Rica, and fluctuated in line with shipments from this origin.

Dasheen

Air-freight dasheens from Martinique sold at constant prices for limited quantities. Given the increased cost prices and the weight of the logistical aspects, their price rose slightly at the end of the year. Supply levels from Saint Vincent, the market’s number two supplier, remained irregular during Q4 2022. When it was on the market, this produce sold at high prices. The price variations registered were due to the quality of the produce. On receipt, the tubers sold at higher prices than after storage, with the batch ends subject to a varying drop in value.

Cassava

Fluctuations in Costa Rican shipments were manifested by steady rates: they varied slightly with the weight of incoming shipments, but also with demand. There was a slight drop in the second half of October and in December. Conversely, the start of October and November seem to have been more beneficial for this product, which was subject to fluctuating demand.

Ginger

Rates for Chinese and Brazilian ginger remained steady at around €2.00/kg during Q4 2022. A slight upward trend was observed over the festive period. This supply was topped up by Peru in smaller quantities, though they proved more popular. Peruvian ginger has smaller rhizomes than the produce from other origins, but with an often spicier and more aromatic flavour. Peruvian ginger was valued €0.20/kg higher than Chinese or Brazilian ginger.